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Kaieteur News
Friday June 26, 2015
Letters... Where your views make the news
Kaieteur News The sore losers must give the government Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
IS THE PPP SULLYING ITS REPUTATION? A good name or a good reputation is the most precious asset an individual or organization can own in a lifetime. It was so in ancient times, is no different today, and shall be as long as human civilization continues to exist. In many ways, a good name or reputation is like having exceedingly good health, but most people take it for granted when everything is going well for them. A good reputation is an intangible quality which most people do not appreciate. It has to be jealously guarded and skillfully managed in the same way as a tangible asset. For some, a good name or reputation is more desirable than being wealthy. It is mostly in times of crisis when a good reputation comes under serious threat, as a result of scandal, corruption, controversy or some other unfavourable development that triggers a loss of confidence and mistrust of those around you, or the people, as is the case of the former PPP administration. It also causes a strain on important relationships, political, social or otherwise. It so happens that a good reputation often takes years to build, but it can be easily destroyed in the twinkling of an eye. Such is its fragile nature. The former administration is currently grappling with serious reputational issues, particularly due to poor governance, as well as the secret and illegal use and transfer of the state’s financial resources, which is being unearthed on a daily basis by the new government. There was the common belief that the main interest of the PPP’s leaders was to enrich themselves, friends and relatives at the expense of the taxpayers. The facts are slowly beginning to be brought to light in some cases. The country is bracing for many more shocking revelations. These developments along with a stubborn refusal to accept the results of the elections as pronounced by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and the continual boycott of Parliament, have further tarnished the reputation of the PPP. Such actions also unfortunately serve to create a deep mistrust of the democratic process by its supporters. Strong sentiments were powerfully captured in a recent statement by a former PPP Member of Parliament, who opined that if the party really wants to leave a favourable legacy and have a good reputation, it should get to Parliament where it can either object to or, where consequential in national terms, support the government. The leaders of the PPP should understand that their actions could cause some of their supporters to have a change of heart. It is unfortunate that the PPP has taken such a negative stance not to represent the interests of tens of thousands who voted for it in the just concluded election. Based on available evidence, it seems to be a small minority of senior party members, who are making such unprogressive decisions. Furthermore, it is ironic that a Party which is known for robustly defending the rights of the poor and the working class has not done the same in defence of its reputation, through more proactive actions. By boycotting Parliament and not representing its supporters, the leaders of the PPP have allowed what initially was not a substantive issue that could have been nipped in the bud - to sully its image. The PPP needs to recognize that by not accepting the fact that it has been defeated at the polls could lead to a major political crisis from a public relations perspective. An appropriate response would be to place greater emphasis on resolutely representing its constituents and improving communication through an extensive outreach campaign aimed at rebuilding its fractured status.
space to solve the problems it inherited DEAR EDITOR, As an antecedent to the debate, we have no immediate expectation with respect to the raising of wages by 10 percent prior to the 2015 Budget as expressed in the APNU+AFC Manifesto which states “APNU+AFC in government will…. award a 10% increase on the total public sector wage….” We are of the firm belief that Guyanese from all political stripes owe the Granger/Nagamootoo led coalition administration its first 100 days in office without criticism. This is known as the honeymoon period for all newly elected governments around the world. It is the least one can bestow to the Granger led Coalition Government. But the sore losers in the PPP do not have the common human decency and respect to give the new government the opportunity to address and try to solve some of the problems they have inherited from them, including gross mismanagement, misuse of the state resources and the attempted cover-up by some PPP hacks who are still in their positions. A case in point is the illegal sale and transfer of eight government vehicles between May 11 and May 18 to the former Minister of Public Service and her paramour. The framers of the 2015 Budget must recognize the fact that the labour markets, like the broader economy, are also associated with the social and political sectors. While a 10 percent increase may not be a full solution to poverty alleviation, the human development impact of a wage increase
for those at the bottom of the economic ladder would be quite impressive. One only has to reflect on the sociopsychological impact on a clerk in the civil service. A wage increase can empower him or her and positively transforming their outlook on life. It would enhance productivity, improve attitudes, validate self-worth and more importantly bolster the image of the APNU+AFC coalition government as being honest and one that has fulfilled its promise to the workers. In their book, Belman and Wolfson have argued that “increasing the minimum wage will impact mainly those at the lower part of the wage distribution, while the overall impact on the economy and the labour market were modest.” We are not blind to the fact of the depleted nature of the state, finances, especially the Treasury which has been over drawn by billions of dollars in 2015 by the PPP regime. The government, particularly the Minister of Finance has to be very cautious and must have the financial resources at hand before he embarks on any financial transactions. He should not entertain the thought of digging one hole to fill another. This is not a solution but financial voodooism. However we strongly recommend that the government honours the promise and give the 10 percent increase to the workers even if he has to reduce expenses or a cut back in other areas. A motivated nation is a productive nation and an appreciative
and a rewarding nation. Since elected to office, there is a trust-premium in the relationship between the new administration and the majority of the people therefore any broken promise or misstep on policy on this and other issues will severely destroy that trust and do great harm to the government. Furthermore, there is a dangerous myth that opines that significant wage growth principally increases inflation. But as stated, this is a myth, not reality. The government should not be swayed by these unfounded fairytale statements that are issued by the confused opposition. The basics tell us that inflation is influenced by many factors, not only wage increases. With reference to Guyana where imports far exceed exports, inflation has resulted from a multiple of factors such as increases in the price of oil on the world market, higher cost to transport goods, artificial increases in money supply and declining productivity both at home and abroad, etc. In 1999 and 2000, the Jagdeo regime granted an across the board wage increase of 28 and 30 percent respectively to the workers and the inflation rate in that period did not reach double digits; it was actually 2.6 percent. This empirical evidence clearly debunks the myth peddled by the PPP that increases in wages are the primary driver of inflation in Guyana. We see no reason why it should be materially different today, especially when the broad fundamental structure of the economy has not been radically (Continued on page 31)
Problems with Digicel’s data plan DEAR EDITOR, Kindly allow me to express my dissatisfaction with Digicel ‘s data plan. I was not pleased when on June 18 ,2015 I was ‘robbed’ of Four hundred and twenty seven Megabytes (427mb) of internet time from a monthly plus plan and recently (June 25, 2015) on weekly plan, two hundred and twenty two megabytes (222.7) disappeared into oblivion, simply because my plan expired. On the first occasion I called Digicel two days before telling them that I would not be able to use my MB’s since the internet was at best temperamental and at worst unreliable. The internet service fluctuates during the day and works better from about 22 hours to midnight. I explained that due to my job, these conditions are not ideal. The reason for buying the amount of data was in the hope of downloading apps and upgrading my phone on my visit to Georgetown during this month. The sweet customers’ service representative
assured me that my plight would be investigated and some reasonable action would be taken. She advised that I try to use as many Megabytes as I can in the following days, to which I agreed. However on June 18, I had only managed to use a Twenty three megabytes due to the above stated reasons of unreliable service and unreasonable hours. On my second call on
June 18,2015 I was told very politely that since the service everywhere uses 2G and is basically equal, ( This is not TRUE, when I was in Georgetown, the service was faster and more reliable.) I was going to lose my Megabytes with no compensation. On the second occasion, I did not bother to call customers service. However, please note that I patiently spent the hours and time to use all my megabytes but I
did not succeed. I was rewarded with the flu due to low body resistance, because of lack of sleep, for my efforts. I am really hoping for a positive response. Digicel is the only service provider in my area so it seems we (I am not the only one) have to accept whatever is handed to us, however as a sole service provider, it can optimize on its customer base. Dissatisfied Customer of Aishalton Region # 9.
Please clean up this street DEAR EDITOR, Congratulations to the many persons who are making the effort to clean up New Amsterdam. While it is a good thing to have the place weeded and the drains cleaned and litter picked up I wish to point out some other areas that need some immediate attention. On entering Pope Street from Water side [Strand], the street that has the Grace Temple Church there is an abundance of garbage lining the parapet on the left as you turn in, very unsightly, I do wish that the Town Council tractor and trailer can clean up this mess lying there. Further down, almost at the side of the church on the same left builders waste removed from an old fence as a new fence was
built remains lying in the concrete drain and almost covered with overgrowth, I hope the council can deal with this as well. Then there are derelict vehicles left on road shoulders for ages, some now almost covered with over-grown bushes leaving only the central part of the road available to users, these abandoned vehicles need to be removed to the dump site by the Town Council. This is more noticeable from the Republic road side near to a welding shop. The back dam trench [ Republic road trench] has been dug, it looks clean except for the floating bottles that become the eye sore. I hope some action will be taken soon if the town is to re-capture its former glory. Ameer Bacchus
Friday June 26, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Letters... Where your views make the news Letters... Where your views make the news
Our economy needs foreign investment and trade on a massive scale DEAR EDITOR, This economy needs foreign investment and trade on a scale which has not been attempted before, based on the potential of new industries which will create good paying jobs for our people and bring increased revenues for our country. Over the years, in relation to my political involvement in Guyana, I have always had, as one of my main reasons for entering politics, a special outlook that foreign trade and investment(including local trade and investment) is a most vital element in our positive development . Because of the PPP’s refusal to fully embrace this concept is one of the main reasons myself and that party parted ways. The PPP ‘s way to “expand” foreign trade and
investment was to : increase the red tape and incessant delays for investors; expand skulduggery and bribery in every area of investment potential like gold and timber; sustain the “friends and family” nepotistic ways which retarded meritocracy, a vital compound in the complexities of investment and trade ; bring a new imperialism to our country where raw materials(such as timber) are taken to be converted into manufactured goods elsewhere, making us the big losers-classic imperialism at work ; allowing investments from abroad to ignore Guyanese workers (the Marriot) and bring their own- creating further crises in our underemployed and unemployed work force; having no vision as to the investment potential of
North America and Europe and seeking and encouraging these lucrative marketplaces to put Guyana on the map as a good place to invest and expand trade links; failing miserably to expand our infrastructure to accommodate expanded investment and trade, instead of the patchwork fixing headed by “Mr.Abject Failure” himself, Robeson Benn(a great pleasure to see him go, knowing that Mr. Patterson will be a much better minister) ; the PPP has failed to protect local business people from foreigners full of cash and connections to the former government , who are now monopolizing local markets and forcing local businesses to downsize or close down; failing to make the University of Guyana a much better institute of
knowledge so as to prepare our youths for the challenges of new job opportunities with increased foreign trade. Editor, all of the above , dictated by the PPP’s inherent distrust of foreign investment as a pivotal element , especially in development of an economy like Guyana’s, are the areas where the new government needs to bring changes and the sooner the better. We have to protect local businesses from any monopoly by foreigners; we have to make sure , as our new foreign minister said in a speech in Islamabad, Pakistan in the 1980s, (when Finance minister) that “carpetbaggers” should not allowed into Guyana. Only genuine, certified investors; we have to make sure that meritocracy is the watchword and not nepotism
, domination or greed; we have to expand our exploration of new investments from places as diverse as Viet-Nam, France ,Australia and seriously expand trade and commerce with North America ; we have to cut down on the red tape and lengthy times it takes for an investor to get the go-ahead- look at India and Costa Rica where decisions on foreign investment takes weeks, not years. We also have to bring UG to world class standards so as to accommodate new investments with bright and ambitious young people-Dr. Roopnarine, our new minister will see to that. E d i t o r, I t i s v e r y encouraging to see that Mr.Greenidge stated that foreign embassies will concentrate on investments and trade - that is a major part
of any vision for trade expansion and much better job opportunities for our youth . Mr. Greenidge is on the spot when he made this announcement because , check the history, from Rome to the USA, foreign investment and trade were thedrivingforcesof development and those periods where these factors lagged and retarded were periods of declining standards of living. Anywhere on this planet, trade and investment are the factors which open new avenues to the creation of wealth and with Guyana’s huge reserves of commodities, from food production and mineral extraction to water resources and everything in between, using foreign and local new technologies, we can become self-sufficient- the very essence of being a nation . Cheddi(Joey)Jagan(Jr.)
Congrats to Minister Broomes for addressing this issue DEAR EDITOR, Allow me to congratulate the Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection - Simona Broomes, for speaking to officials at Bosai Minerals about the deterioration of the roads in Linden caused by their operations. As I understand it, the Minister visited Linden a few weeks ago and spoke to Bosai Minerals in this regard and the roads have since been partially fixed. As an individual who has a vested interest in the trucking service provided to Bosai Minerals, I am particularly happy that the Minister has seen it fit to hold Bosai accountable for the maintenance of the roads traversed by the trucks transporting bauxite for their
operations. I would also like to appeal to the Minister or other relevant authority, to look into the rights of workers in this sector. Bosai has been taking advantage of the workers and getting away with it because, it would seem, the former government didn’t care about the rights of workers; their only concern, seemingly, to collect revenue. There are about twentyfive trucks providing trucking services to Bosai Minerals operations, stock piling bauxite for shipment. Originally, Bosai paid $8,000 per trip; however since they discovered that the system was flawed, in the sense that the persons tasked with confirming the trips made per truck, were
inflating figures for their personal gain, they decided to hire contractors to deal with this aspect of their operations. Once the “Contractor” system was implemented, the payment per trip was reduced and also truckers/truck-owners are no longer being paid on time. Many of the truck owners have loan commitments with banks and with the new system, have been experiencing difficulty meeting commitments to their creditors, in a timely manner. Compounding the problem of lower rates paid and late payments to truckers, is the fact that because of the terrible condition of the roads, the trucks frequently experience
blow-outs and broken springs, which cause downtime and having to find additional funds for repairs before they can recommence working. The cost of a new spring is $140,000, while a second-hand spring costs approximately $91,000.A new tyre costs approximately $65,000, while a secondhand, $36,000. As I write this letter (June 20th), I was just informed that truckers were paid today for the latter fortnight of May (15th — 30th) while the arrangement is for fortnightly payments at the end of each fortnight. Truckers/ truck-owners are currently only earning half of what they used to make and that is due to stockpile and rainy weather. So when
the now reduced payments are consistently late, how can truck- owners meet their commitments? Will their bankers always be sympathetic and understand their position? Honourable Minister, I was so happy to hear that you went up there and spoke with Bosai and since then the road is much better than what it was, but still has a far way to go to be completed. The new coalition government is doing a wonderful job. They have accomplished so much in less than a month.
Notwithstanding, we need someone in authority to look into this situation. We are aware that Bosai is paying the Contractor in a timely manner, but he is not paying the workers on time. Also, Bosai should be called upon to complete the road repairs and consistently maintain them so that it does not end up costing the truck-owners hundreds of thousands of dollars in repairs, and would also alleviate the challenges of trucking during the rainy weather. Arthur Taylor
Friday June 26, 2015
Kaieteur News
Private media has nothing to fear from us - PM By Abena Rockcliffe Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, who is also the Minister of Information, yesterday sought to lay a foundation of assurance to the media that his administration will handle things “differently.” He said this as he took the floor of the National Assembly to speak on the Motion which seeks to have the House’s approval for policies of the new government as outlined by President David Granger during his address at the convening of the Eleventh Parliament. As he spoke yesterday, Nagamootoo made several references to things that were considered norms and practices under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration and said that they will be no more as “things will be done differently”. Nagamootoo stressed that his government will handle the affairs of the state media in such a manner. By “differently”, Nagamootoo meant that the state media houses can rest assured that he (who he made clear the buck stops at) will not look to interfere in its dayto-day running; neither will he try to hinder true journalism by setting mandates for the state media houses to be used as “propaganda machines”. Further, Nagamootoo sent a message to private media houses to the effect that it has nothing to fear from the unity administration when it comes to reporting freely. He said that full respect will be given to the media and no attempt will be made to curb those who attempt to demonstrate freedom of expression, barring this is done within the ambit of responsible journalism. The Minister said however, that he hopes the media will allow those whose characters may be called into question to respond at all times. The Prime Minister said that his government will seek to protect journalists who subscribe faithfully to the tenets and preferred
Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo standards of journalism. CHANGES FOR STATE MEDIA Naga m o o t o o announced that an investigation has been launched into the operations of the Government Information Agency (GINA). The Prime Minister told the House that GINA would have collected money for the placement of government ads in the state-owned Guyana Chronicle and National Communications Network, but those funds were never paid over. He said that GINA owes Chronicle $76M for advertisements. He said that it is suspected that some of this money is owed for ads that GINA may have placed for the PPP/C during elections campaign. Nagamootoo said that GINA is currently a burden to the state media. “It (GINA) has become like a heavy lead pulling down the NCN and Chronicle,” said Nagamootoo. The Information Minister said he intends to restructure GINA and turn it into entities that will faithfully serve in the nation’s best interest.
“When one sees the Government Information Agency, it must not be one that people will pay to monitor calls and wiretap or intercept Facebook messages and do things that are not in the domain of public information,” Nagamootoo asserted. The Prime Minister also announced that there will be restructuring of the Guyana Chronicle and the National Communications Network. The Boards for both state media houses are expected to be replaced. Nagamootoo made it clear that the new Boards will comprise professionals who will work towards the betterment of the state media entities. He emphasised that the state media should “act as a professional body to tell Guyana and the world what government is doing, to inform the populace to make better choices, and not fall prey to stigma of racism and appeals of ethnicity.”
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WHEN WILL THIS MADNESS END? What can someone do to you that would force you to open fire with a semiautomatic weapon on them while that person is sleeping in his bed with his wife and baby son? What can someone do to you that would force you to take action that would harm an innocent child? Right now a toddler is nursing six gunshot wounds. He is in hospital. He is being described, and rightly so, as a “miracle baby”. He has to be a miracle baby. Many an adult can’t take off one bullet much less six and live. This baby is being protected by a heavenly power. If you ever had any doubts as to whether there is a God, you should not have those doubts after the miracle that has saved the life of that child. All Guyana should bow down and pray for the full recovery of the “miracle baby”. The name of that baby should be changed immediately to Miracle, but it had to take a miracle for that baby to live. Through this baby, God is sending a message to the Guyanese people. God is saying to us that we must bring an end to this willful violence that is taking over
the country. The violence has to stop. God is ordering us to stop the violence. He is doing so though a miracle, by showing us that not even the rage of the gunmen can take the life of a child who is protected by God. More police patrols cannot solve the problem. The police have a terrible track record when it comes to maintaining vehicles. They have never been short of vehicles; they have been short of maintenance skills. You take vehicles designated for community policing groups and you give it to the police and within months, those vehicles are going to be in the workshop. If you ask the Guyana Police Force how many vehicles they received over the past ten years, it will show how bad things are with the maintenance of assets. It might take a miracle too, to fix that problem. But back to the real miracle, the miracle baby. God is sending a message to us Guyanese. He is opening our eyes by saving the life of this baby. He is asking us to consider the senselessness of the violence in our society; that we would put a baby in harm’s way just to get even
with someone else. Fifteen years from now when that baby grows older and begins to question the meaning of life, he would have to ask himself why his life was spared by God. And the reason has to be that his life was spared so that people in this country could see the horror of the violence that is taking place. What is the cause of this violence? Is it that people have become crazily violent? Or is it greed and the lust for money that is pushing people into certain activities where they run afoul of not only the
law, but also their friends and associates who they are then forced to turn their guns on? Unfortunately, abolishing private property has never stopped crime. But is it worth considering that crime rates are low in countries where there is greater social control, and in which private property is discouraged. That is an indisputable fact. But even if greed cannot be outlawed, there still remains the question: What could a person do to you in this life that would force you to want to kill him? What sort of human being would shoot
at a target on a bed knowing that a baby is there and can be injured? I do not know the answer to that, but what I do know is that person must believe that he or she has a good chance of not being caught by the law enforcement authorities, and therefore risks carrying out such a savage crime. So perhaps the problem is
not more patrols, but better intelligence gathering, so that those with the guns can be caught. Then and only then will this madness stop.
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=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===
The cruelties of dictatorship must never be forgotten The mighty Jagdeo has fallen. The invincible PPP has become mortal; time has moved on. But the pen must never do the same; the pen must stay with the past. The secrets of the past must never be buried. The
exposure of human cruelty offers us valuable guides to the future. It is easy to say the PPP has gone, let’s move on with building Guyana. But to whom do these words apply? Maybe to the new
government that has to perform miracles to save Guyana, but certainly not the average citizen. The people must be reminded of the casualties of dictatorship, because they need to know what happened
Dem boys seh...
A strange thing happen Hardly a day does pass without some shocking revelation. De other day was about cars getting transfer. De people send back some of de cars now we hearing that Ministers, politicians, dem friends and dem family use to get free gas and de taxpayer had to pay. Before then dem hear bout Petro Caribe money going wheh it shouldn’t and paying fuh things that Jagdeo think about and didn’t have money to complete. De truth is that he spend because he didn’t have to get permission from nobody to spend. De money was he own. Now dem boys hearing bout other strange things. Dem hear that somebody at de Marriott trying fuh sell de hotel and put back de money in NICIL before Chris Ram and Anand Goolsarran complete de audit. But whoever try fuh sell de hotel playing with jail because de hotel is not dem own, although dem use to behave as though dem own it. People had to get special permission fuh even walk pun de seawall behind de hotel. In dem days Brassington was de big
man. Now he lock up in he house because he shame. Li’l Joe tell dem reporters that he can’t trust Brassington. That is not a strange thing. It had to be that Brassington lie to de man and to de whole country. But that and all is not a strange thing. Is only time before he run off, because he was a man who was always accustom to de limelight. Wha happening now is strange to him but not to dem boys. A woman who was in de limelight also running mad. De bank moving fuh tek she house and de Americans want fuh tek everything she got. De poor woman ain’t got nowhere to run. Donald like he run off de map, because people ain’t seeing or hearing from him. That ain’t strange because he was Jagdeo mouthpiece. Dem ain’t hearing from Jagdeo because he tell a magistrate that he back sick and that is strange. He was a backball champion only de other day. Talk half and lookout fuh more strange things.
to Guyana after Mr. Jagdeo and Mr. Ramotar took power and ruled this country for fifteen years. This is called the society’s right to know. It is also called the recording of history. Today the asininities emerging from the PPP about witch-hunt and removal of their supporters from employment are viewed as, and must be seen by Guyanese for what they are – asininities. The PPP can talk about witch-hunt, but the historian must write about dictatorship, because that is what the PPP became after Mr. Jagdeo succeeded Mrs. Jagan. We tend to concentrate on Mr. Jagdeo’s rampage, but he was not the only tyrant in the temple of power. There was a long list of PPP kings and queens who lorded it over Guyana. Robeson Benn left a trail of bully-boy excesses that we must not forget. Last Sunday, I mentioned the hounding down of little girls (probably children of single parents) selling bottled water on the Irving Street parapet. Parapet sellers were an obsession with Mr. Benn. This same Benn was oblivious to parapet encumbrance by the superwealthy friends of his party.
Mr. Benn drove into NCN and ordered that a calypso that was being played be stopped. Of course, it did occur to Mr. Benn that he could have called the subject Minster or telephoned the NCN manager. But in typical power-drunken style, Mr. Benn made his move. Benn’s infamy pales in significance with the dictatorial output of some of his colleagues. If the term oligarchic lord fits any politician in the entire world, it was Roger Luncheon. A close study of the attitude of Luncheon would reveal a leader overwhelmed with the instinct of possession. The semantics, output, style of Luncheon were that of a man who believed that he owned Guyana. He testified in the Jagdeo libel writ against me and this newspaper and his deportment was nonchalant arrogance. Without any emotion, Luncheon told the court that no African Guyanese had the qualification to become an ambassador. There were many who did, but Luncheon and his PPP colleagues decided which Guyanese got jobs in their own country. When dictators cross the legal line, they must be held accountable. We have had an authoritarian orgy where violence, murder and depravity made this country from 2002 to April 2015, the worst human rights offender in the history of the Englishspeaking West Indies. Could a theory be postulated that Guyana under Jagdeo and Ramotar had features that were more morbid than in some Latin oligarchies? Did the oligarch’s friends descend to the pit of power madness as we saw in Guyana? A super wealthy friend of President Jagdeo drove into his
Frederick Kissoon construction site, saw the NIS inspectors doing their investigation, and ordered their imprisonment on the compound. This barbarity was pursued because the businessman knew he had untouchable status because he was the friend of the President. Poor people are sentenced to jail by a brutal magisterial system for offences far less obnoxious than that. A remand prisoner, notorious for extra-judicial murders, was released from jail and placed in the 2011 election campaign. He was caught on camera destroying an opposition banner at Ogle. A prominent journalist has a clip taken with his phone of this very person on the lawns of State House during the presidential swearing in ceremony in December 2011. A Minister got into a domestic brawl and his wife ended up dead. The official verdict is suicide. The same Minister drove his car recklessly and careened into a citizen breaking both his legs. There was no police arrest. It wasn’t only Mr. Jagdeo who displayed the pangs of tyranny in a fifteen-year-old dictatorship. His friends and his ministers were also into the act. In a strange twist of fate, this crazy behaviour the dictators took into the election campaign with the chorus of slapping. An Amerindian teacher and a social activist were to be slapped. Then May 12, 2015 stepped in. The rest is history.
Friday June 26, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Cops make breakthrough Shot cop discharged from hospital in Rubis executive’s murder The slain executive’s home
- Three held, slain man’s phone recovered
It appears to have taken detectives just a little over one week to track down the gunmen who killed Rubis account executive Jason Cort in his Jamoon Drive, Meadow Brook home. Sources at CID Headquarters, Eve Leary confirmed yesterday that investigators have detained three men who appear to be linked to Cort’s murder, which occurred two Wednesdays ago. They have also recovered the slain man’s mobile phone. Kaieteur News understands that two of the suspects are Tucville residents and the third is from Stevedore Housing Scheme. Investigators were still taking statements from the suspects up to late yesterday evening. Cort, a 27-year-old account executive, was shot in the chest at around 22.30 hrs. last week Wednesday, shortly after he had arrived home with his fiancée, Shauna Garraway. He died subsequently at the Balwant Singh Hospital. The killers took Cort’s licenced firearm, gold band, chain and ring, mobile phone and an Xbox console. According to reports, the couple, who have a two-yearold son, had just come from a Kingston location, and were preparing to head to another venue on the East Bank of Demerara when the attack occurred. Cort’s fiancée, Shauna Garraway, had told Kaieteur
Jason Cort News that after they had arrived home, she went to the top flat, while Cort remained in the bottom flat. “I was about to come downstairs when I heard a gunshot. I then heard Jason cry out, and someone (else) said ‘where the money? Give me the money.” Garraway said that she hid under a bed, while trying to contact the police, relatives and friends. She said she eventually contacted her mother, who summoned the police. She also contacted one of her fiancé’s friends, but remained in hiding, since she was still hearing the intruder’s footsteps. The friend eventually arrived and found Cort lying in the house, near the southern doorway in the bottom flat. The wounded man was rushed to the Balwant Singh Hospital, where he succumbed. Garraway believes that
Cort may have left the southern door open when they arrived home. She could not recall hearing any vehicle leaving the area after her fiancé was shot. Cort had worked for about four years at Rubis Guyana Inc. Kaieteur News understands that police have received several recent reports about robberies and burglaries in the section of Meadow Brook Gardens where the slain man resided. Police have been kept busy in recent weeks by a spate of gun-related and other murders that have pushed the homicide rate to 78 in less than six months. Guns were used in at least 27 slayings, with at least 12 of these deaths being execution-style killings. Sixtysix murders were recorded at the end of May 2015, in comparison to 59 homicides at the end of May 2014.
Police Constable Victor Fausette, who was shot in the head at the Wisroc Police Outpost by a ‘berserk’ prisoner he was escorting, has been discharged from the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) after winning the battle for his life. Fausette was hospitalized for just over two weeks before he was released on Wednesday. There was speculation that his chances of survival were “slim” but he managed to pull through his injury. Fausette’s Mother, Marcel Bobb, had told this publication that despite the assumptions being made, she was quite optimistic about her son’s recovery. On June 7, 2015, Fausette, a resident of Belladrum, West Coast Berbice, was shot above the left ear at around 18:05hrs by an 18-year-old prisoner, Regan Richards, after being relieved of his service revolver, at the Wisroc Police Outpost. Richards, who fled the scene, was later shot dead by police ranks, who cornered him at his One Mile Extension, Wismar home. The police service revolver, with six spent shells, was recovered. Kaieteur News understands that Constable Fausette was attempting to place Richards in the lockups, when the man, who was said to be mentally unstable, attacked the rank, relieved him of his firearm, and shot him in the head. Nearby residents reportedly heard the gunshot and saw Fausette stagger out of the Police Outpost before collapsing. He was rushed to the Mackenzie Hospital, before being transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation.
Victor Fausette
A police release had stated that police ranks responded to a report of threatening behaviour in which Richards was armed with a cutlass and chasing down residents. ANOTHER SHOOTING VICTIM RELEASED Meanwhile, 38-year-old Samuel Wilson, the man who was allegedly shot on June 10 by his 16-year-old step-son was also released from the same hospital on Wednesday. Wilson, of Kuru Kuru on the Soesdyke/Linden Highway, whilst hospitalized had refuted reports which stated that he was shot by the teen. He had told Kaieteur News that he had gone out and upon returning home the firearm mistakenly went off, hitting him in the abdomen. He maintained that the teen did not shoot him, despite a close relative telling this publication that the enraged child had shot him after he attempted to scold him about his unbecoming
Samuel Wilson behaviour. Wilson emphasised that his only focus is recovering. He also said that even if the reports were true he would not press charges against the child. It is unclear whether the alleged shooter was ever apprehended.
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Kaieteur News
Friday June 26, 2015
Territorial claim… AG discovers $1.8B Venezuela has to “behave itself” and allow in eight unused Guyana to shine - Trotman tells House BOG accounts The 2013 report of the Auditor General (AG) has revealed that there are eight accounts at Bank of Guyana holding a total of $1.8B. These moneys had been untouched for over a period of five years. The country’s AG, Deodat Sharma, insists that these moneys belong to the Consolidated Fund and should be transferred to its rightful place henceforth. He noted that the Audit Office’s assessment of the balances held in the special accounts at the Bank of Guyana indicated that there were 11 accounts with balances totaling approximately $4.3B. The AG noted, however, that there were eight accounts that were not even touched since 2009 and up to the time of review. In providing details on these eight accounts, he said that the Infrastructural Development Fund Account held $371M, the Accountant General-GEC Wartsila
Account held $127M, the Agriculture Loan had $77M, the UK Programme Aid-GEA had a total of $474M, another UK Programme Aid-Rice held $55M and an Agriculture Rehabilitation Project Account had some $280M. The other two accounts are the SIMAP Phase II SubAccount with some $213M and the Financial Sector Reform Programme Account had some $172M. They gave a grand total of $1,773,525,000. The AG said that on the assumption that such moneys were funds that should have been paid over to the Consolidated Fund, in addition to the total of all the other government bank accounts held at the Bank of Guyana, including the overdraft of the Consolidated Fund, there would be a positive balance of $56B. He recommended to the Ministry of Finance to have all these funds transferred to the Consolidated Fund, in the shortest possible time. (Kiana Wilburg)
By Abena Rockcliffe As Minister of Governance Raphael Trotman addressed the National Assembly yesterday, and spoke of the vast wealth that lies in Guyana’s natural resources as well as the fact that the new government will spare no effort to tap into those resources for the benefit of the nation’s development. Trotman said this as he spoke on a Motion that seeks approval of government’s policy in President David Granger ’s address at the convening of the Eleventh Parliament. Yesterday, Trotman zeroed in on two aspects of Granger’s speech-that which addressed economic growth and that which spoke to a secure Guyana. Speaking about economic growth, Granger had told the Parliament that his government will establish a sovereign wealth fund for revenues derived from natural resources, oil included. In addressing the issue of a secure Guyana, the President said “Your Government will do everything within its power to secure our borders.” He added, “We shall strengthen our friendly relations with our neighbours
– the Federative Republic of Brazil; the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and the Republic of Suriname. We believe that our four neighbouring Republics together have much to contribute to the security of national borders, to the stability of this continent, to the success of the Union of South American Nations, and to the happiness of our peoples.” Also, Granger had said, “Your Government will introduce measures to reform the defence and security sectors to ensure that our defence and police forces protect our citizens and our territory.” Granger had said all of this knowing full well that Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro, on May 27, 2015, had issued a decree, extending
Minister of Governance, Raphael Trotman Trotman even said that Guyana’s oil potential is as massive as the lucrative West African oil industry and what we have could be described as “elephant wells.” He said
“While we may not number in the millions, rest assured that our desire to defend that which is ours is not to be underestimated…” Venezuela’s claim to Guyana’s territorial waters. A map which was issued, accompanying the decree, shows that the claim includes the area where the US giant oil company, ExxonMobil is currently drilling for oil. Trotman was one who accompanied President Granger and the Minister of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon, when the government went to visit the area where ExxonMobil is working following the announcement that oil was found. During his address yesterday, Trotman said that Guyana has a hefty amount of oil, enough to significantly transform the country’s financial fortunes.
that Guyana can be transformed and “Venezuela knows what it has to do, and that is to behave itself.” The Minister pointed out the fact that Venezuela has developed “what is theirs” without interference and noted that the Spanishspeaking territory already has oil in abundance. He said that Venezuela was allowed to develop “without questioning from us, and so we too want to enjoy the right to do the same and develop our country without interference.” Trotman added in this regard, that Guyana will not sit idly by and allow its wealth to be taken away. He said, “While we may not number in the millions, rest assured that our desire to defend that which is ours is not to be underestimated…and so we hope Venezuela will back off.” The Minister acknowledged the Colombian government’s statement
rejecting Venezuela’s decree and thanked that nation for its support. Foreign Affairs Minister, Carl Greenidge had revealed that Venezuela is threatening to use force to deprive Guyana of its territory, but he declared that the Government of Guyana intends to “utilize all tools available to us to defend our national interest.” Greenidge said that the decree is quite dangerous and very much illegal by the standards of international law. He said that in light of such, Guyana continues to prepare for eventualities. Venezuela media recently reported that Maduro was set to address the current conflict with Guyana in the Venezuelan National Assembly today (Friday, June 26) while threatening military action against any perceived “infractions.” He is quoted as saying ”I will denounce international manoeuvres…to provoke Venezuela, (it) will not be, and I’ll summon the civil union, (the) military to defend our country, our land, and our historical positions.” Guyana’s government has notified several international bodies, including the Organisation of American States (OAS) and Union of South American Nations (UNASUR).
Friday June 26, 2015
Kaieteur News
Page 13
Auditor General’s 2013 report…
$510M taken from Contingencies Fund despite not meeting criteria - $616M for previous years’ advances still uncleared
By Kiana Wilburg The long-awaited 2013 Auditor General’s Report has revealed once again that the previous administration continued to withdraw moneys from the Contingencies Fund in breach of the nation’s fiscal laws. Auditor General (AG), Deodat Sharma noted in his report that for the year 2013, $510M was withdrawn from the Contingencies Fund which did not meet the specified criteria. The Contingencies Fund is a subfund of the Consolidated Fund which is the main government account for expenditure and is used for emergency expenditure only. The AG noted that in his previous reports, he would have highlighted instances where the criteria were not fully met for advances from the Contingencies Fund. In his 2012 report, Sharma had said that $95.661M in advances were drawn from the Fund but did not meet the criteria. He noted that in accordance with Section 41 of the Fiscal Management and Accountability (FMA) Act, the Finance Minister may approve a Contingencies Fund advance as an expenditure out of the Consolidated Fund by the issuance of a drawing right. He said that the criteria require the minister to be satisfied that, “an urgent, unavoiding and unforeseen need for the expenditure has arisen: a) for which no moneys have been appropriated or for which the
Auditor General, Deodat Sharma sum appropriated is insufficient or b) for which moneys cannot be reallocated as provided for under this Act or c) which cannot be deferred without injury to the public interest…” Given this fact, the AG said that while it is observed that there is a closer monitoring of these advances, the situation still existed and for the year under review, three advances did not meet the criteria. He said that advances were made for the Ministry of Agriculture on behalf of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) for the payment owing of fertilizers, and the Guyana Defence Force to ensure the serviceability of force’s fleet of aircraft and also to provide adequate feeding of troops for routine and operational activities, due to price increases In response to queries in this regard, the Finance Ministry, which was headed by the former Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh,
insisted that it continued to ensure that there was full compliance with the requirements of the FMA Act as it related to the granting of Contingencies Fund Advances. The AG nevertheless recommended that the Finance Ministry adopt stringent measures to ensure that there is compliance with Section 41 of the FMA Act regarding the criteria for the granting of advances. Additionally, the AG’s report noted that after an examination of the Statements of Receipts and Payments of the Contingencies Fund as at December 31, 2013, it was revealed that amounts totaling $615.6M represented still uncleared advances from the fund. Sharma said that it is important to also note that these sums for the years 2011 and 2012 were not passed by the National Assembly. However, the three advances which were made from the Contingencies Fund for 2013 were all cleared by the National Assembly. This was done through a supplementary estimate laid before the House. This is done to ensure the proper replacement of the amount advanced. Over the years, the abuse of the Contingencies Fund was a topical issue for A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) while they served as the parliamentary opposition. AFC Leader Khemraj Ramjattan had emphasized on several occasions that the National Assembly is the first
device or mechanism for which contingences advances can be protected from abuse.
The politician had asserted, “The (PPP) has been abusing their understanding of the criteria
of an emergency under the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act. “When we run to the Fund it is only to be used for (Continued on page 27)
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Kaieteur News
Friday June 26, 2015
Standards crucial factors for efficient operation of health and social institutions The importance of standards is critical to not only improve the quality of goods and services provided, but it also fosters the potential for growth, cutting cost and the increase of profit. This assertion was made recently by Head of Conformity Assessment at the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS), Ms Candelle Walcott-Bostwick, as she addressed a group of stakeholders. She noted that with the requisite standards in place, the credibility of a business can be enhanced, and efficiency can be achieved even as customers’ confidence is boosted. “I am sure we would want the clients utilising our services to say we have been satisfied by the services provided by (for example) this hospital or by this particular entity that we would have visited,” said WalcottBostwick. Standards, according to her, in essence serve to improve business processes and increase their efficiency, because the operations are standardised
and help to comply with established regulations. At the time, WalcottBostwick was stressing the importance of Standards in health and social care facilities. She explained that in the Management System Standards, there must be awareness of the statutory and regulatory requirements and once people are in care facilities such as the Palms or health facilities, there is need to ensure that “we are conforming to the regulatory requirements that exist.” Some of the Standards that GNBS have outlined as applicable for the health care sector, for instance, are the ISO 9001 Standard which defines the requirements for quality. And then there is the Environmental Management System Standard which is the ISO 14001 which, according to Walcott-Bostwick, helps to monitor the impact of activities on the environment. “So in the hospital facilities, especially, there is waste that must be monitored to ensure that it conforms with the requirements,
because we do not want to have the environment to be polluted,” the GNBS officer explained. With the ISO/IEC 17020 Standard, which is relevant for use by the inspection body, the regulators within the health sector are tasked with the responsibility of ensuring that hospitals are meeting certain requirements to operate. In order to adhere to this Standard, Guyana had implemented the Health Facilities Act, which outlines the requirements for hospitals and other health facilities, according to Walcott-Bostwick. Under the guidance of this Act, she pointed out that the Health Ministry is expected to do annual inspection of health facilities. The Act, which addresses the proper disposal of waste, saw health facilities being required to make provision for their waste in order to be licenced to operate. “Similarly, the social care sector may have standards that such facilities will have to be meeting. As an inspection body if we want to have our results credible and recognised it would be good to implement this Standard,” said WalcottBostwick. There is also a national standard for management systems of micro, small and medium size enterprises, which Walcott-Bostwick, said is also a Caricom standard. “This standard enables small businesses to
implement quality, environment and occupational health and safety systems...so you have an integrated system at a very basic level at your operation, which will of course streamline what you are doing,” said WalcottBostwick. According to her, too, there is a new series of Standards (ISO 10000) which address customer care and even one that speaks to the code of conduct for organisations. “I think this is a standard that all of us can embrace, because it defines a code of conduct for our organisations; how we should operate and conduct ourselves.” As part of the series, the ISO 10003 Standard deals with guidelines for the dispute resolutions external to the organisation. “Many times we have disputes with clients and we want to know how we should address it, this Standard defines how that should be done,” said WalcottBostwick, as she highlighted that there are guidelines for monitoring and measuring customer satisfaction. “All of us who are operating businesses, how many of us will take time to see what our customers expect of us...Are we meeting those requirements?” she asked. Another new standard that GNBS has been emphasising is the ISO 27001, which deals with information technology of security
GNBS’ Ms Candelle Walcott-Bostwick management systems, according to WalcottBostwick. This standard, she underscored, caters to the protection of data; that is, how the confidential information of clients is treated. “With the advent of laws and so forth we need to ensure that the information that we have about our clients is kept secured and not breached,” the Conformity Officer asserted.
“So basically Standards provide confidence and ISO has a slogan ‘ISO nickname is confidence’. So whenever we implement Standards it demonstrates that there is confidence in that service that is provided,” she added. Standards in place therefore mean that all related operations embrace a common way of practice. “For example, if you have to register a patient in a hospital there are certain guidelines that have to be met and staff that do that registration will follow those protocols,” Walcott-Bostwick explained. She added that “the equipment purchased for use (at such operations)...we ensure that there are guidelines and requirements for purchasing of equipment. You just don’t go and buy equipment because you see it looks nice. We are going to ensure that we can sustain that equipment,” said Walcott-Bostwick as she stressed the importance of standards in choosing the best supplier.
GuyOil “cooperating”... (From page 6) been advised on how to proceed, Harmon disclosed. Government would not have been leaving GuyOil and its management without some of the blame for the abuse. The entity is handling billions of dollars in gas sales and distribution, but there have been accusations of wrongdoing in its operations over the years. With the life of the Board of Directors expected to expire at the end of the month, the new administration will likely not be looking to sack the members and its chairman, but rather to replace them. A meeting with senior officials of the coalition Government is expected as early as tomorrow to determine the new management and the Board of Directors of several state companies, including that of GuyOil. The company’s Managing Director, Badri Persaud, has himself been under pressure to resign. He was a candidate for the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic ,which suffered defeat in the May 11 General Elections after 23 years in power.
Friday June 26, 2015
Kaieteur News
Page 27
Repsol requests extension for new oil well As interest remains high in search of oil, Government yesterday said it is favourably considering granting Spanish-owned Repsol, a six-month extension to drill another well. The company is currently required to commit to drilling or relinquish exploratory rights by the middle of November 2015. A six-month extension would give it up to May 2016 to make a decision on drilling just one year before the projected date, which will remain at the middle of May 2017. Yesterday, Minister of Governance Raphael Trotman met with Repsol Exploration executives during a courtesy call at his office today. Allan E. Kean, Atlantic Basins Exploration Manager and Giancarlo Ariza, Guyana Country Manager, used the opportunity to request an extension of six months to continue gathering seismic data on the Kanuku Block, where exploratory work is currently being conducted. Minister Trotman, who was acting on behalf of President David Granger, who is responsible for the Petroleum sector, said that the request would be favourably considered.
Acting Commissioner of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission Newell Dennison, who was also present at the meeting, is tasked with presenting a report to the President, before the request can be granted. The Minister said that the President is eager to fast forward the development of Guyana for all Guyanese and sees the extractive sector as one that can provide “the fuel that can take Guyana from zero to 100 fast.” He noted that the President is keen on expanding investments in the petroleum sector. Repsol also applied two years ago for exploratory rights for Ultra Deep Water Block C. The company boasts being first to discover oil in Guyana in July 2012 when they began drilling at the Jaguar-1 Well and found the presence of hydrocarbons. Though that drill site did not produce oil in economic quantities, Repsol was able to gather significant seismic data that will be useful for future exploratory work. Minister Trotman was presented with a sample of the hydrocarbons found at the Jaguar-1 drill site by the company.
From left: Acting Commissioner of Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, Newell Dennison; Permanent Secretary Joslyn McKenzie; Minister of Governance Raphael Trotman; Allan E. Kean, Atlantic Basins Exploration Manager and Giancarlo Ariza, Guyana Country Manager. Recently, US-owned ExxonMobil announced that it has found significant evidence of oil in a well it drilled offshore Guyana. It has raised considerable interest in more activities in other concessions by other players. It will be at least five years before Guyana can move to the production phase.
$510M taken from... (From page 13) emergency cases, like if there is a serious flood in Mahaicony and we need to remove citizens, money would be used in that case. But I understand that they are using the Contingencies Fund to relieve the National Communications Network. He had even appealed for the former President, Donald Ramotar, to assent to the amendment made to the FMA Act. “The amendment seeks
to clarify a part of the Act which has to do with officers who can be prosecuted for the abuse of the Fund. But it is the Minister (Former Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh) we understand to be giving such directions. “He gives the permission for the money to be used, and as such he needs to be held accountable. The (former) President, by not assenting to this amendment, is also condoning this and allowing criminality to continue.
“I am begging the people of this nation to understand that it is their money that is being abused and to realize what kind of government they had,” Ramjattan said. The Fiscal Management and Accountability (Amendment) Bill 2015 was tabled yesterday by Finance Minister, Winston Jordan in the National Assembly yesterday. President David Granger has already given his commitment to assenting to his Bill.
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Kaieteur News
Friday June 26, 2015
GTM records $106M profit for 2014 For 2014, the Guyana and Trinidad Mutual Life Insurance Company (GTM) maintained its position as the largest health insurance provider in Guyana, with a net profit of $106M for 2014. This was disclosed by the Chairman of the GTM Board of Directors, R.L Singh, at the company’s 90th annual general meeting on Wednesday, last, at the Georgetown Club, Camp Street. The forum was attended by GTM’s Board of Directors as well as various stakeholders. Chairman Singh related that the company made a net surplus of $106M after tax, which indicates a significant increase of profit margins when compared to 2013, which recorded a $31.5M net
Members of the GTM Board of Directors at the company’s 90th Annual General Meeting surplus. The net surplus was calculated after adjusting for the movement of policyholders and liabilities, which amounted to a grand
total of $327M. This also increased from 2013’s preadjustments, which amounted to $187.4M. Following the adjustments of policyholders and liabilities,
the insurance company saw an over 200 percent increase in its net surplus. “This represents a significant increase of $75.1M or 238 percent,” Singh explained. “GTM has performed fairly well in 2014 in the Eastern Caribbean States where the company operates.” “The adoption of new reporting requirements under international standards and practices requires adjustments for changes in policyholder liabilities to be accounted for before recording net profit,” said Singh. After such calculation, he said that direct policyholder liabilities accounted for $220.4M. Despite a decline in the growth of sales for new life insurance policies, Singh said that the multinational
insurance company has remained Guyana’s largest provider for health insurance. He noted that some of the factors contributing to the sales decline were increased competition and a reduced demand for the life insurance product. “However, GTM still has one of the country’s leading life insurance policies,” Singh boasted. Moreover, the Chairman related that the reason for the significant movement for Guyana in 2014, when compared to 2013, had to do with the decline in demand share prices last year. As GTM also has operations in the Eastern Caribbean region, the company’s meeting also contained reports from countries such as Grenada, St. Lucia, Dominica and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
In Grenada the net premium grew by 8 percent. However, the growth was undermined by $67M in claims and $26M in lapses and surrenders. Meanwhile, St. Lucia’s branches grew 3.7 percent in their premiums, but the country still performed much better than Grenada. However, overall sales in the Eastern Caribbean did not fare well as the economic deficiency negatively affected significant growth in the region. “The Eastern Caribbean states faced another year of modest economic growth, high unemployment and widening fiscal deficits. These factors negatively affected both sales of new policies and business potential in Grenada, Saint Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines,” the GTM Chairman related. He added that even with an aggressive conservation strategy, high surrenders and lapses in policy still persisted in the region. According to Singh, to counter such negative factors both board and management have actively and continuously sought new ways of improving efficiencies to contain or reduce GTM’s original expenditures. “This includes a detailed assessment and review of resources utilisation,” Singh explained.
Friday June 26, 2015
Kaieteur News
GRA to restart inspections of shipped barrels to deter smugglers
GRA is tightening on smuggling by restarting inspections of barrels being shipped from overseas. Authorities have announced plans to tighten up inspections of personal items being shipped to ensure that the country does not lose out. According to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), the new measures are in the interest of revenue protection and adherence to the nation’s border laws and regulations. GRA explained that its Customs procedures have been revised to facilitate profiling of non-commercial cargo for examinations based on criteria that seek to avert smuggling of prohibited, restricted or undeclared goods. “The examination will be done jointly by officers of Customs Excise and Trade Operations, (CETO) Goods Examination Unit (GEU) and Law Enforcement and Investigation Division (LEID) who will also determine the degree of examination…” Whether a 25 percent, 50 percent or 100 percent examination will be done, at the end of the day, a report will be forward to the Commissioner-General, Khurshid Sattaur. Prior to the new system, personal effects including barrels, boxes, bins skids,
pallets, and other packages, were not subject to inspections. They were released after a flat rate duty was applied. GRA said that the incidents where personnel effects were smuggled have necessitated the changes. “Chief among the violations are attempts to declare commercial cargo as non-commercial cargo by shipping them in barrels, boxes, bins skids, and pallets. Consignees who make false declarations will be subject to a fine implemented by LEID.” In the past, there have been reports of guns and other prohibited items being smuggled into the countries in barrels, a popular way that families overseas have been sending stuff to the loved ones in Guyana.
GRA had relaxed the checks, but a number of businesses have been taking advantage, bringing in items for resale. Meanwhile, at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, passengers who voluntarily join the “Nothing to Declare” line will see their baggage being profiled for 100 percent baggage examination by CETO and LEID, and a report will be presented to the Commissioner-General. GRA said it is confident that new system will strengthen its capacity to detect discrepancies in classification and valuation of goods, ensure the customs duty and taxes are remitted, and improve compliance from importers/exporters resulting in increased revenue collection.”
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Gun licences applications on hold Addressing the executives of the Upper Corentyne Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan said that the ministry under the previous administration was issuing gun licences in an “ad hoc” manner, and for this reason, his ministry has put applications on hold, and is moving to implement a systematic and transparent procedure for their issuance. The minister, speaking at a meeting conducted at City Inn Hotel, Line Path, advised that he has since asked the Advisory Board to come up with systematic policies and programmes that should soon see the licences being granted “with a sense of reasoning.” He said that this should bring not just order to the system, but dissuade the existing regime of tolerance for corruption that occurs now in this “ad hoc” system of issuing gun licences. “I do not want people to pay bribe for anything... you go through the process, and if the process did not grant you what you want, you are entitled to make a complaint,” the Minister said. The minister also spoke of other plans to have a gun amnesty for firearms that are
illegally held. He explained that the ministry is still working out the details for this, but once this amnesty is granted, those caught after with illegal firearms will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. The Minister told the gathering that underutilised vehicles issued to Community Policing Groups (CPGs) are being transferred to the Guyana Police Force (GPF). Minister Ramjattan disclosed that his ministry will be delivering to the Force 38 vehicles that were handed over to CPGs by the last administration. These were
underutilised by the CPGs, and will be better used by the police force. He explained further that these vehicles will be transferred to those divisions where crime rates have spiked. He said that this move should ensure more patrols in these areas. The Minister also urged care of the vehicles explaining that he has visited several police stations and witnessed the state of vehicles just under three years old. He also advised against unauthorised use of the vehicles stressing that those found guilty will be prosecuted.
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Kaieteur News
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Parfaite Harmonie -$1.5M, Tuschen -$1.6M, Long creek Linden/Soesdyke Highway with creek, 30 acres -$9M – Tel:611-7223, 675-7292
Contract cars & experienced drivers –Contact: 227-1721, 227-1720 or 660-6102 Porters, Office clerk, general domestic. Apply at Survival @ Lot 10 Wholesale Dept, Vlissengen Road. 1- Salesboy & girl to work in a provision shop, knowledge of weight on metric scale & calculation –Tel: 669-5335 One live in maid –Tel:6755256 One experienced Head Teacher to oversee setting up of New School details. Email:mozatart@yahoo.com Mature female to live in for two weeks and take care of a elderly person –Contact: 6921300 Security guards to work in the interior with mining firm must have military experienced –Contact: 2269768; 642-7963 2 Accounts clerk with Grades 1 & 2 in Maths & English. Apply at Technical Services, Eccles Industrial Site, E.B.D. Salesman and drivers – Call: 661-9809 One experienced pastry maker –Call: 266-5845
3 Large house lots @ back of B/Burg gas station -$15M for all 3 –Call: 650-0402 House lot for sale at Grove/ Diamond, 2nd Bridge area, serious enquiries only –Call: 624-2857 1500 acres transported land 4½ miles from Bartica Rock, Quarry, Forestry, Agriculture. Contact Mark: 603-1266; 625-9788 Bartica, Westerbeck lies between, Mazaruni & Cuyuni, 7 acres of cleared land (rich land) -$5M, Diamond - $2.5M –Tel: 2312199; 618-7483
HEALTH Follow-me male enhancers, diabetic, hypertension and more. Sickness free sample treatment- Tel: 696-2957 FOR HIRE Enclose truck and Hiab Truck, double axel –Tel: 6945460, 662-8884
2 Professional & experienced pastry makers, apply in person @ Humphrey’s Bakery & Farm Products, 38 Ketley Street Charlestown – Tel:225-7864; 227-8607
Don’t Miss! Venus Auto Sale: pre-order, specials on Toyota IST, Vitz, Ractis, Passo, Raum- $1.9M, $1.8M Call: 624-5617 One Toyota Allion PNN SERIES & 1 new & unregistered Mazda Axela, excellent condition -Tel: 649-0956 1 RZ EFI minibus. BKK 7634Call: 226-9530, 651-2274 1 Beige Toyota Spacio 2003 model, PMM lady driven -1st owner, excellent condition – Tel: 628-5828 Toyota Prado, Price$4.4M Neg. Call: 643-2403 1 Toyota Cami PLL Series, 1 Million negotiable –Tel:6793410 Unregistered Toyota IST fully loaded -$1.950M – Call: 691-7475 Nissan Titan for sale, immaculate condition – Contact: 647-3924 1-Toyota 4WD extra cab, pickup LH drive –price $1.9M negotiable –Tel: 6688431 1 Noah BSS 1650, excellent condition. Tel: 652-0709 Fantasy Auto Sales: 38 Alexander Street Kitty. Get $100,000 discount on perorders- Tel: 611-1833 2 Ford F350 Pickup, extended cab, 4X4 Diesel, excellent condition, fully loaded, 6" lift kit –Call: 610-5370
CAR RENTAL PROGRESSIVE AUTO RENTAL:CARS&SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 643-5122, 2193900, EMAIL: PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM DOLLY’SCARRENTAL-CALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM
We buy residential house lots in Parfaite Harmonie, Eccles, Herstelling, Farm, and elsewhere –Tel: 611-7223; 675-7292 1 Cleaner, apply @ 19 Middle St C/Ville G/town, closing date June 30th 2015 - Call: 219-4683, for information (must work Saturday).
Friday June 26, 2015
Smart Choice Auto: Premio, Allion, Spacio, Fielder, Bluebird, Carina 212, ISTCall: 652-3820, 665-4529 First Class Auto in Stock: 09 Allion, 08 Premio, Carina 212, Spacio, Runx, IST, Mark 2, Axio, 06 Premio –Call: 6098188; 638-3045 We buy & sell vehicles for cash, also parts available & 30 seater buses; Extra Cab pickups; 2006 TacomaCall:680-3154 AT192, 212, Allion, unregistered Premio, Hilux Surf, BNN, RZ & Pit-bull, 7 seater super custom. Cash / terms- Call: 680-3154
EDUCATION Earn a Diploma in computers, 9 courses @ Micrographics, Vreed-En-Hoop - Tel: 264-3057
One Toyota Celica convertible customizes (high performance set up). One Toyota Ipsum (new model) going cheap. Contact: 629-5414
Summer Kids; computer classes, ages 5-16 @ Micrographics, Vreed-enHoop –Tel: 264-3057
Mazda Hatch back, full body kit, rims, crystal lights on, in good condition - Tel: 691-5485
FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. Wild caught fresh fish depot @ Meadow Bank Wharf, E.B.D –Tel: (592) 628-1200, 619-6601, 619-7777. For your seafood needs!
Work from home, earn $5,000$20,000 daily Call MondayFriday 9am-5pm #233-6517, 638-0595 www.job fairworldwide.com
Double lots (corner) in secure, gated community @ Land of Canaan, light, water, roads -$15M –Tel:668-0306
Live in housekeeper to care for infant, long term employment –Tel: 697-8797
600AMPS, 200AMPS, transfer switches, exhaust box 6"-Tel: 627-7835
Vacancy for a full time maid should be good in Indian cooking. Call 2274799, 618-1853
Pure breed Rottweiler pups, male & female, vaccinated, first litter-Tel: 225-8172, 6527647
DRIVER-LORRY LICENCE REQUIRED, SALESMAN TO SELL COOKING GAS. 676 6700 SECURITY GUARDS WORKING 12 HRS FOR UP TO $4,000 PER NIGHT, PART TIMEWELDER,CARPENTER/ MASON, GARDENER. 676 6700 I N T E R N AT I O N A L EMPLOYMENT: NURSE, T E A C H E R S , C A R P E N T E R S , ELECTRICIANS, COOK, WAITERS, BELL BOYS, HOUSEKEEPERS, STOREKEEPERS, SECURITIES. CONTACT: 231-6296; 650-9880/ www.plzrecruitme.com One handyman / gardener contact 223-5273/4 Dagger operator contact: 223-5273/4 Vacancy exists for one certified hairdresser, who knows to do everything. One nails station to rent –Contact Melissa: 610-1941; 225-1037 One experienced hairdresser magic touch beauty salon – Tel: 225-6492. 1 Crankshaft grinder and machinist to bore engine block-Apply @ Technical Service -18-23 Industrial Site, Eccles. Cutter/straight stitch/button tack/hole operators. Call: 222-2541 (8:00am-4:00pm Mon-Fri)
VEHICLE FOR SALE
1 Caterpillar Excavator 320C, excellent condition Contact: 658-4450 1 Lincoln arc welder with Perkins engine on wheels – Call: 609-5672 Inboard marine parts, all type of engine, transmission, shaft, gland, propellers & all electronics, etc –Tel: 652-8970, 674-3735 Hair sale -20" to 30" Brazilian, Indian & Cambodian; free gifts with purchase –Tel: 644-6028 Tent Sale- Clothing, women 2X &3X golf shirts, etc @ 455 Aubrey Barker St, Saturday June 27th –Tel: 626-6335 One stall at Stabroek Market, 37.5 Acres farm land, Highway, Linden/ Soesdyke-Call: 679-1151, 225-7794 Canter Truck 2 Ton, Mitsubishi, GLL series $1.9M –Call: 223-6236 House and land - Call: 265-3586 Adults Only: female enhancers and novelties – Tel: 644-6077 Spare for washing machine, microwaves, fridges, stoves, timers, gearbox, motors, etc call:225-9032, 647-2943 Pure Breed pit-bull pups, dewormed and vaccinated – Call: 661-1715/ 669-2434 Pure breed Rottweiler pups, fully de-wormed & vaccinated - Tel: 220-2277, 220-8904; 629-1471 Mix breed pups, pit-bull and European mastiff - Contact: 601-1371 400Lb 5" cat guts seine – Contact: 220-7655; 667-8921
1 Toyota Raum HB series, price -$750,000 –Contact: 642-4779 owner leaving country.
One wall divider (2Pcs), good condition-$40,000. Contact: 682-2428
Mercedes ML320 Blue and gray leather interior, UK import right hand drive –Tel: 698-6243 One yellow cab HB9604 – Call: 223-5615
Large 65FT, red snapper fishing boat, 3yrs old, including 100 traps, ropes, all licenses -15M –Tel: 6528970, 674-3735 Continued on page 31
Friday June 26, 2015
Kaieteur News
Page 31
Timehri man jailed for illegal possession of gun, ammo Timothy Taylor, a 20-yearold father of two, was yesterday jailed for two years after he was found guilty of illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition. Taylor of Timehri, East Bank Demerara was busted with a .32 revolver, on January 6, at Avenue of the Republic, Georgetown. In addition, he was also found with three live rounds of matching ammunition. He was sentenced to one year imprisonment on each charge and ordered to pay a fine of $1,000 on each charge. Magistrate Ann Mc Lennan in summing up the evidence informed the court that the defendant was in physical possession of the firearm and ammunition. She
noted that it was also proven that the defendant had knowledge of the articles, while adding that she found the submissions given by the defendant’s attorney to be inconclusive. She said that the elements of the offence in which the defendant is charged for was proven beyond reasonable doubt. The Magistrate also affirmed that the defendant’s version of the story was “made up”. Before handing down the sentence, the Magistrate considered all mitigating factors raised by the defendant’s attorney and the time the accused had spent on remand. According to Police Prosecutor, Corporal Deniro
Jones, about 02:45 hours, on the day in question, a party of police ranks on patrol duty observed Taylor and two others acting in a suspicious manner. He said they decided to approach the defendant and his friends, but when they observed the cops advancing they ran away. Jones told the court that the ranks chased after them, but were only able to apprehend Taylor. The defendant was searched and a loaded gun was found hidden in the waist of his pants. He was arrested and taken to the Brickdam Police Station where charges were subsequently laid. The man had initially denied the allegations.
From page 30
ACCOMODATION Aracari Resort –Tel: 2642946: Rooms from $45USD, double occupancy, fully air conditioned, hot & cold bath, WiFi, breakfast. Harmony Inn: furnished, airconditioned apartment & rooms, suitable for local & overseas guest -$20USD, $30USD, $35USD –Tel: 6680306; 694-7817, 218-1400
Nineteen year-old Wayne Peters appeared yesterday before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry after he was accused of stealing an alternator from National Hardware at Industrial Site. Particulars of the charge
of simple larceny stated that on June 19, Peters stole an alternator valued $57,000 property of the aforementioned establishment. Peters, who was unrepresented, pleaded not guilty. The Independence Boulevard resident informed
the court that he is a porter at the company and has no pending or previous matters. Police Corporal Bharrat Mangru did not relate any facts to the court neither did he object to bail. Initially, the defendant was granted bail to
the tune of $25,000 but was subsequently released on self bail since he told the court he had no money. Peters will be making his next court appearance later this month before Magistrate Annette Singh.
Logger remanded on illegal gun, ammo charge
A logging concession owner was yesterday remanded to prison after it was alleged that he had an illegal firearm and ammunition in his possession. Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry remanded Devon Robeiro to prison after he was accused of having a .25 pistol in his possession when he was not the holder of a firearm licence.
He was also accused of having nine matching rounds of .38 ammunition. Robeiro denied the allegations after they were read to him at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. Police Corporal Bharrat Mangru informed the court that on the day in question, ranks from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) acting on information,
went to the home of the defendant and conducted a search. The search was carried out in his presence and the articles were found in a store room. Robeiro’s attorney in an unsuccessful bail application told the court that his client has an unblemished criminal record. He contended that the defendant is not a flight risk and has been carefully
Search launched for missing man following boat mishap The Guyana Defence Force has launched a search for a missing boat captain who disappeared following a boat collision on Wednesday. The GDF in a statement yesterday said that following a report of a collision involving a vessel of the Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard which occurred in the Pomeroon Wednesday
afternoon, the GDF immediately launched a search and rescue operation in order to find the missing Pomeroon farmer, Mr. Orton Benjamin. This GDF-led operation is utilising specialist equipment and the services of divers. The GDF said that it is in contact with the Benjamin family and will provide them with all necessary assistance
during this difficult period. Meanwhile Chief of Staff, Brigadier Mark Phillips has ordered an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident involving the GDF vessel and Benjamin’s boat. The Guyana Defence Force said it deeply regrets the unfortunate incident and will remain engaged in the search for Benjamin.
Letters... Where your views make the news
The sore losers must give the... From page 4 transformed since 2000. Guyana is still a producer raw materials of basically the same products. In addition, the Bank of Guyana manages the money supply policy with some semblance of independence which partially empowers them to target inflation. So, we concur with the wise saying “Never
make a promise unless you can fulfill it…” Not only will the government lose credibility, but it will lost the overwhelming trust and confidence of the vast majority of people. The people are confident that the government will do the right thing and honour their promises. Dr. Asquith Rose and Sase Singh, MSc-Finance.
cooperating with the police investigation. The attorney said that the defendant is a member of the Regional Association of Loggers, and up to the time of his arrest he has done nothing to associate himself with any criminal acts. Bail was opposed by the prosecutor because no special reason was advanced by the lawyer to satisfy the court. The matter will be called again next Tuesday (June 30), at the Linden Magistrate’s Court.
Property for sale, Grove $18M neg. Tel: 625-5461. 2 Storey property for sale @ 19th Avenue Sec ‘C’ Diamond Scheme-$18M negotiable –Tel: 622-9916 Two storey 45X35 concrete property, lower flat incomplete, in Diamond, New Scheme, 5th Avenue, E.B.D –Tel:629-4017
Timothy Taylor
Porter arraigned for simple larceny
PROPERTY FOR SALE Residential lots ad houses for sale at Eccles, E.B.D $7.5M. Tel:592-227-2913 or 689-3033
TO LET Prime office space @ lot 239 Quamina Street, Central Georgetown, parking available in Private yard. Tel: 592-227-2913, 592-689-3033 Newly built 2 bedrooms house & apartment on W.C.D - Call: 698-6496 Space suitable for salon/ massage parlor/beauty service to co-exist with other business –Call: 647-1773 Rooms in Alberttown, apartments in Eccles - Tel: 225-3234 Fully furnished (2) bedroom apartment in South: TV, AirConditioned, Hot & Cold, Cable and washing machine –Tel: 689-5877
Lot 23, Area F Zeeburg, South, old gas station road, West Coast DemeraraContact: 621-8386 (Brodo) Brand new 2 storey concrete building in 5th Avenue, Diamond, E.B.D, all modern amenities –Call: 662-9335; 612-3244 Property at Kersaint Park LBI, price $11.5M negotiable- Contact:6641865; 698-5713 Two executive houses in gated compound at Oceanicvillas -$58M eachTel Shiv: 600-6681 2 Storey concrete building, partially completed 20X50, located at Leonora –W.C.D -$16M neg. Call: 622-4490
WANTED (2) General manager for a seafood company. Serious interest only. Send message to 644-4286
FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Oceanicvillas air conditioned, apartments/ fridge/stove/washer/dryer/ microwave-Contact Shiv: 678-6887 or email: oceanicvillas@yahoo.ca GT TOOL RENTALS: COMPACTOR; CHIPPING HAMMER RANSOM & FLOOR SANDER, JACK HAMMER, CONCRETE SAW & MORE- CALL: 675-0767, 627-5098 Charlotte St/Orange Wa l k : l a rg e b e d r o o m house, no parking -Tel: 652-8970; 674-3735 WANTED One maid to work in Boodhoo Housing Scheme, West Bank Demerara. Attractive salary. Phone 6221364 or 600-5775
Page 32
Kaieteur News
Friday June 26, 2015
Islamic State attacks Syrian army and Kurds in twin assault Islamic State fighters have launched simultaneous attacks against Syrian government and Kurdish militia forces, moving back onto the offensive after losing ground in recent days to Kurdish-led forces near the capital of their “caliphate.” Islamic State sought to retake the initiative with incursions into the Kurdish-held town of Kobani at the Turkish border and governmentheld areas of Hasaka city in the northeast. In a separate offensive in the multi-sided Syrian civil war, an alliance of rebels in the south of the country also launched an attack with the aim of driving government forces from the city of Deraa. The attacks by Islamic State follow a rapid advance by Kurdish-led forces deep into the hardline group’s territory, to within 50 km (30 miles) of its de facto capital Raqqa. The dual assaults on government forces in Hasaka and Deraa, both provincial capitals, are a test of Assad’s resolve to hold out in remote outposts beyond the western part of the country that is seen as the top priority for his survival. The United States and European and Arab allies have been bombing Islamic State
An injured man from Syrian town of Kobani is carried to a hospital since last year to try to defeat a group that a year ago proclaimed a caliphate to rule over all Muslims from territory in Syria and Iraq. Islamic State advanced rapidly last month, seizing cities in Syria and Iraq. The latest Kurdish advance in Syria has shifted the momentum again, but Islamic State fighters have often adopted a tactic of advancing elsewhere when they lose ground. The group said it had seized al-Nashwa district and neighboring areas in the southwest of Hasaka, a city divided into zones of government and Kurdish control. Government forces had withdrawn
towards the city center, it said in a statement. Syrian state TV said Islamic State was expelling residents from their homes in alNashwa, executing people and detaining them. Many Islamic State fighters had been killed, it said, included a commander identified as a Tunisian. It also said a car bomb had exploded in the southeast of Hasaka. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which tracks the war, said Islamic State had seized two districts from government control. Government-held parts of Hasaka are one of President Bashar al-Assad’s last footholds in the northeast region bordering Iraq and Turkey, territory mainly run by Kurds since Syria’s conflict erupted in 2011. The Islamic State attack on Kobani, also known as Ayn al-Arab, began with at least one car bomb in an area near the border crossing with Turkey, Kurdish officials and the Observatory said. Islamic State fighters were battling Kurdish forces in the town itself.
Friday June 26, 2015
Kaieteur News
Page 33
EU seeks to explain National Debate between reasons behind black list PM, Rowley not a done deal
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – The Head of the European Union Delegation to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Mikael Barfod, yesterday sought to downplay fears Caribbean countries may have as a result of some of them being included in a list of countries deemed to be tax havens. “First let me make it very clear that there is no new assessment of tax havens by the EU. The EU Commission has simply asked the EU member states to make their own individual assessments: if more than 10 EU member states regard a non-EU country as ‘uncooperative’ in tax questions, this country automatically ends up on a list of 30 ‘uncooperative’ states that was published last week,” Barfod said in statement. His comments came as some of the 13 Caribbean countries named on the list have publicly criticised the EU and warned that it could jeopardise their economic future. But Barfod maintains that this approach by the EU is an attempt “to encourage EU member states to become
Mikael Barfod transparent about their criteria for ‘uncooperative’ states, to coordinate these criteria between EU member states themselves, and finally to entice EU member states to regularly update their criteria. “This approach may appear arbitrary outside the EU as many have already pointed out in the Caribbean. However, it is clearly of interest to individual Caribbean countries - as Barbados’ Minister of International Business
Donville Inniss has suggested already - to contact EU member states that have named a given Caribbean country as ‘uncooperative’, in order to see why the EU member state made this rating and what were the precise criteria.” Barfod said that the criteria may not be part of ‘blacklisting’ in a traditional sense, as it is sometimes perceived, but could be showing what a specific EU member state itself believes are ‘low tax rates’ or a ‘harmful tax regime’ in a given non-EU country. “Based on the background and approach just described there are not likely to be any consequences for credit ratings or private investments in Caribbean countries. The approach had a totally different purpose and is geared towards improving a harmonized EU assessment in the future. “The dialogue on what is ‘uncooperative’ or not between the EU and the Caribbean could be the start of a much better mutual understanding in the future,” the EU diplomat here said.
JTA expecting new wage offer from government at next meeting The Gleaner - The Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA) says it is expecting an improved wage offer when the union meets with the Ministry of Finance next Wednesday to renew negotiations. Last Saturday, the union voted to reject a seven per cent offer that was an im-
provement on the initial five per cent proposed by the Government. JTA president, Doran Dixon, says the teachers are hopeful that the Government will propose a higher offer when they meet. The seven per cent offer put forward by the Government would replace a five-year
wage freeze and cover the period 2015-2017. However, the JTA is seeking a 25 per cent wage increase over the two-year period. Last week, Finance Minister, Dr Peter Phillips, in a national broadcast, said the Government cannot improve its seven percent offer.
Trinidad Express - A national debate is needed as there are over 30 per cent of undecided voters who want to hear what the leaders have to say about the issues facing this country says Lorraine O’ Connor, member of the Trinidad and Tobago Debates Commission. Commission members O’ Connor, Ronald Harford and Angela Persad met with attorney Larry Lalla, Debates Negotiator for Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar at his St Clair office on Tuesday to discuss the proposed leaders’ debate. Lalla told the Express that the Prime Minister has expressed her willingness to debate People’s National Movement (PNM) leader Dr Keith Rowley by the end of July for the latest. “The Commission contended that the debate could not be held in the month of July since (1) their proposed August date was pegged to nomination day; (2) it needed time to secure sponsors and (3) it needed time to secure a location,” said Lalla. “With respect, nomination day is irrelevant for the purpose of a debate between the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition. Their status will not change between now and then and there is no proper reason to await nomination day to host a debate between these two leaders,” he added. “Further, we are unable to understand why the Chamber of Commerce, with all its resources, would require until August to secure a location or sponsors for such an event. One would think that there would be a rush of
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar SC and Opposition Leader Dr. Keith Rowley sponsors in support of such an important event,” said Lalla. The Debates Commission, he said, refused to be flexible about the date and the meeting ended. “We reiterate our belief in the importance of this event and hope that the public will witness a national leaders debate in the month of July, whether hosted by the Chamber of Commerce or some other entity,” said Lalla. O’Connor said the Debate Commission is flexible and is trying to work to get common ground between all parties. “It is really important to have this debate as the people who the debate affect would be the undecided, over 30 per cent who want to hear about the issues,” she said. O’ Connor said further that research has shown that debates help voters decide how they would cast their vote as they hear what the candidates and leaders are
proposing in terms of governance, policies and direction that would impact on the lives of citizens and the overall development of the country. She said the Commission is working towards finding a solution to ensure that the debate takes place because it is in the interest of the people. O’ Connor also noted that contrary to Lalla’s views, the Debates Commission is not funded by the Chamber of Commerce- the Chamber is in fact a facilitator of the debate but the expenses will have to be footed from the generosity of corporate Trinidad and Tobago who understands the value of a national debate especially with a general election two months away. O’ Connor said she and other Commission members remain optimistic that a national debate will take place and the population will have the benefit of hearing what their leaders have to offer Trinidad and Tobago.
Page 34
Kaieteur News
Friday June 26, 2015
Holder shines as Tridents smash Red Steel Guyana Amazon Warriors face St. Lucia Zouks today The Barbados Tridents made it three wins out of three in the 2015 Hero Caribbean Premier League as they blew the Trinidad & Tobago Red Steel away with another stunning display at the Kensington Oval, last night. Jason Holder was destroyerin-chief for the defending champions, the West Indies ODI captain producing a devastating spell of fast bowling after the Red Steel had won the toss and elected to bat. They were a shambles at 1-1, 2-2, 3-3, 3-4 and 20-5, Holder taking 3-11 from four hostile overs, including the wickets of the dangerous Kamran Akmal and Darren Bravo. Dwayne Bravo (30) and Jason
Mohammed (20) tried to steady the ship for the shellshocked visitors, putting on 46 for the sixth wicket, before Bravo slapped a Jeevan Mendis long-hop straight to Navin Stewart at cover, much to the Red Steel skipper’s disgust. They managed to see out their overs but only just, finishing on 95-9 - and the Tridents wasted no time setting about their task as Dwayne Smith and Dilshan Munaweera looked like men in a hurry. Munaweera smashed 39 off 28 and Smith 33 off 29, before they were dismissed in successive balls by Sulieman Benn, both holing out in the deep either side of a drinks
break. It didn’t make any difference as the Tridents cruised towards their target regardless, Shoaib Malik and Jonathan Carter seeing them home with a massive 40 balls to spare. Kieron Pollard’s side play their final home game against the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots tomorrow, while the Red Steel aren’t in action again until Sunday 4 July when they meet the Guyana Amazon Warriors in St Kitts. Meanwhile, action will continue today with the Guyana Amazon warriors taking on St. Lucia Zouks at the Beausejour Cricket Ground in St. Lucia from 8pm tonight. (CPL)
Friday June 26th 2015 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You might find that something or someone is purposefully trying to make things difficult for you today, Aries. It might seem like you're trying to get a handle on the issues, but somehow things are slipping through your fingers. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Lay low today, Taurus. Don't try to force any answers from people. Eat a healthy breakfast and stay away from caffeine. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Inspire others to come out of their shells today, Gemini. Have them join you on the sunny side of the street. Share your cheer with other people and lead them into boisterous discussions about the world. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Keep your cool if something goes wrong today, Cancer. Don't be so impatient about fixing a problem that you end up doing something rash. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Play the lottery today, Leo. The concept for you is profit with no effort. The windfall will come when you least expect it. The less you try to shape things, the more they will generally flow in your favor. Enjoy the day and don't sweat the details. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) If you meet someone new today, Virgo, break him or her in gradually. Don't spill all the beans at once. Let the person warm up to your intense emotional nature before you unleash it full force.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Spare no emotional or monetary expense today, Libra. Whatever you put into this day will come back to you tenfold. Feel free to indulge and delight in your fun-loving nature. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Today isn't a day to stay inside and sulk, Scorpio. Put the past behind you and move on. Grab opportunities with both hands and rev your engine into high gear. SAGIT (Nov. 22–Dec. 21) Get your favorite music out of the closet today, Sagittarius. Have a dance party in your living room and liven things up with some freshly cut flowers on your table. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) It may be extremely hard for you to make decisions about anything today, Capricorn. Don't stress about work or the things you need to get done. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) Today should run quite smoothly for you, Aquarius. You will find that there's a great deal of power fueling your emotions and that you're able to take that power to the extreme. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Don't get upset if people don't take you quite as seriously as you'd like today, Pisces. It's in the nature of the day to keep things light and uplifting. Come out of the intensity of the last couple days and laugh out loud.
Jason Holder returned figures of 3-11 in an outstanding opening spell.
Pat Holder pays courtesy... (From page 41) presented to the President was one he had won while riding with a broken Collar Bone in Berbice. ”We talked about the good old days in Queenstown and I wished him well and told him I had prayed for God to bless him with wisdom and responsibility to be a good leader of Guyana. He said he would be happy if more former sportspersons remained involved in the promotion of sports when they retire,” the garrulous Holder informed. Holder, who own and runs a business in Bar Street in Kitty last engaged in competitive Boat racing in Bartica when he was close to 70 years-old. (Sean Devers)
Friday June 26, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Sri Lanka strong after Kaushal five-for Offspinner Tharindu Kaushal and pacer Dhammika Prasad carved out Pakistan’s batting order, bowling the visitors out for 138 on the first day of the second Test at P Sara Oval. Pakistan’s batting implosion took place in the second session of the day - a rain-affected one with an interruption of 55 minutes - as they slumped from 70 for 2, losing their last eight wickets for 68 runs. Sri Lanka’s top order blunted Pakistan’s attack and they went to stumps at 70 for 1, trailing by 68 runs with Kumar Sangakkara and Kaushal Silva to take strike today. Sri Lanka had found themselves in a similar position in the Galle Test, when Pakistan’s top order had failed. In that game, Sarfraz Ahmed and Asad Shafiq’s resistance had snatched the game away from Sri Lanka, but on a pitch known for its record of producing results, Sri Lanka’s attack tightened their grip on Pakistan, all without the help of Rangana Herath, who did not bowl an over in the day. At the centre of Sri Lanka’s effort was Kaushal, who was picked for the second Test in place of the injured Dilruwan Perera. He was given only one over before lunch, but he owned the second session with a spell of nine overs, conceding 35 runs for five wickets. He tossed up
the ball, extracted sharp turn and also made use of the bounce on offer from the track. Kaushal, playing his first Test at home, deceived both Mohammad Hafeez and Asad Shadiq with turn. The 31st over, cleaved in half by a rain break, saw Kaushal trapping Shafiq plumb in front before Misbah-ul-Haq was run-out by a mile a result of poor calling between the Pakistan captain and Sarfraz. Sarfraz nudged and nurdled in his effort to revive Pakistan’s innings with the lower order but fell to a flighted delivery from Kaushal, going for the drive but only managing an inside edge that ballooned off his pad to Angelo Mathews at slip. Pakistan’s innings lasted only four overs after that and Sangakkara’s diving effort at long-on to dismiss Yasir Shah, after he had run from mid-on, fittingly capped off Kaushal’s five-for. If the second session belonged to Kaushal, it was the quicks Prasad and Dushmantha Chameera, making his debut, who set up the first, responding to the challenge of having to bowl first. Prasad struck early with Ahmed Shehzad’s wicket, bending his back to extract all the help he could find from the pitch, but just as impressive was Chameera, who har-
Tharindu Kaushal ©AFP ried Pakistan’s batsmen with speeds of 145kph in his first spell, and even reached the 150kph mark in the second session. There was swing on offer, too, and Chameera’s pace and accuracy discomfited Azhar Ali and Hafeez during their 46-run second wicket partnership. The pair found themselves squared up and often late on pulls and defensive shots, besides having to dig out accurate, swinging yorkers from the young pacer. Just as the pair had seen off the toughest period of play, Prasad returned in the 16th over and struck with his first ball, with umpire Paul Reifell
Specialist crowned Joseph... (From page 39) Smith and Mark Welch with 14 each were TNT’s leading players. Specialist pocketed a trophy and $200,000, Sparton a trophy and $100,000 and TNT a trophy and $50,000. Special gifts were pre-
sented to several fathers that are involved in the sport including the youngest, oldest and with the most children. Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Joseph thanked the participating teams and congratulated the finalists. She lauded the players for the
high level of discipline exhibited while urging them to prepare for future tournaments. Meanwhile, the Linden Boston competition will get underway on July 5 at The Garage, Aubrey Baker Road. Entrance fee is $10,000. (Zaheer Mohamed)
overturning the on-field umpire’s decision and declaring Azhar out caught behind. Hafeez’s innings had held
most of the first session together, and he hit some pleasing shots during his stay - the straight drive off Chameera to bring up Pakistan’s 50 was one of them. A partnership between him and Younis could have taken Pakistan to a very different situation, but the latter struggled in his 100th Test appearance, surviving two lbw shouts from Mathews on 0. In the first over after lunch, he tried dropping his wrists to what appeared to be a short delivery off Prasad. The ball didn’t sit up as much as he anticipated and he only ended up lobbing it to Dinesh Chandimal behind the stumps, setting off the implosion. Chameera also got among the wickets towards the end of Pakistan’s innings, when Zulfiqar Babar chopped a quick delivery on to his
stumps. Before the game, Mathews had called for better shot selection from his batsmen and the manner of Dimuth Karunaratne’s dismissal would have come as a disappointment. The opener had worked for a start but chased at a full, wide delivery off Junaid Khan on 28. Silva survived a close review in the 19th over, when Pakistan went up in appeal for a catch at slip. Replays showed there was no contact between bat and ball, but later suggested the batsman was struck in line and there was a chance of an lbw, which appeared to remain unexplored. Silva finished unbeaten on 21, with Sangakkara on 18. Sri Lanka 70 for 1 (Karunaratne 28) trail Pakistan 138 (Hafeez 42, Kaushal 5-42, Prasad 3-43) by 68 runs. (ESPNcricinfo)
El Dorado Trading/GSSF ... (From page 38) any misses after the designated stop plate is shot and the total time taken is the score: all while being closely monitored by the Federation’s Range Safety Officers. The shooter with the lowest time to hit all the plates overall in the match will be the winner. Tomorrow’s Match which will see shooters competing in two SCSA Divisions: Wildcat and Limited. Prizes will be awarded to the top three overall shooters in each division. Wildcat Division will have competitors using .32ACP and any other calibre lesser than a 9mm while those in the Limited Division will shoot 9mm or higher cali-
bre hand guns. To add to the prestige of this GSSF’s First Anniversary Match, members who will be shooting full power handguns (Limited Division) will be competing for the rights to hoist the El Dorado Trading Steel Challenge Cup. Managing Director, Mr. Tamesh Jagmohan, indicated that this Cup will be a Challenge Trophy which the winner will have to defend annually in the month of June to commemorate the anniversary of the Federation. Each year the winner’s name will be inscribed on a plaque attached to the Cup’s base. At the small ceremony at the headquarters of El Dorado Trading, located at Lot 136 Young Street,
Kingston, Georgetown, President of the GSSF, Ms. Vidushi Persaud, in accepting the kind sponsorship, conveyed thanks to Messrs. Tamesh and Pavasky Jagmohan of the company. Ms. Persaud in her capacity as Match Director noted that “Steel Challenge is the perfect way to introduce new shooters to the safe sport of steel shooting because of the easy to understand rules and scoring coupled with the satisfaction gained from the instant audible “ping” heard when the bullet hits the steel plate”. More information can be found on the GSSF website which is www.GuyanaSportShooting.com
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Kaieteur News
GFF hosts successful Senior Lady Jags Camp in Toronto By Franklin Wilson Head Coach of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Women’s National team, Mark Rodrigues recently held a successful Senior Women’s Team Camp in Toronto, Canada where a total of 16 players in attended. Speaking with Kaieteur Sport, Rodrigues said that it was a good mix of original senior team players and Under-20 national team players with a few quality new players. Rodrigues, who was at the helm of the Women’s Programme when Guyana made it to the CONCACAF Women’s Gold Cup in Cancun Mexico in 2010 stated that it was evident that all the players attending understood the game very well; noting that GFF Technical Director, Claude Bolton who also attended the Camp and himself were extremely pleased to see how the players have matured in their development since 2010 (senior) and
2012 (U20’s). ”The camp proved to be very competitive culminating with a solid performance in the game on Sunday against the Durham FC League 1 team who are undefeated in league play so far this year and had no goals scored against them in six games to date until the Lady Jags changed that.” The Durham team had taken the lead after 20 minutes of play. But Rodrigues made a tactical change when he moved Senior Lady Jag Alison Heydorn from the right back position to center forward in the second half. The move paid off as her work ethic won her the ball close to goal where she set up another senior Lady Jag Ashlee Savona for the equalizing goal. The game ended 1-1 and went to penalty kicks. All five National team players scored with Heydorn netting the game winner. There were three players that attended from the USA, two from Maryland and one from
Detroit. ”Four of our high level players from the USA, Denmark and Iceland were not invited as their professional team commitments prevented them from doing so and it was also not necessary to have them there anyway. They will however be in Guyana for the mid July camp,” Rodrigues informed. He further stated that he was extremely gratified that they were able to conduct such an effective camp while being very fiscally responsible. Approx 20-22 players from Canada, USA, Iceland, Denmark and England will now be invited to attend the main camp in Guyana July 18-26 where final selections will be made for the first round of qualifying in St. Kitts & Nevis from August 21-25, 2015. Efforts are currently underway by the GFF to host Puerto Rico for a wrap up game on Saturday August 25 at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.
Friday June 26, 2015
Mystery as Bolt declines to race in trials Mystery and confusion surrounded Usain Bolt after he declined to race in the 100 meters at Jamaica’s national trials yesterday, raising concerns about his fitness ahead of the world championships. Bolt was entered in the race in the preliminary list published by the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) on Sunday but his name was missing from the list of runners released three days later. ”He was entered and has since been withdrawn,” JAAA general secretary Garth Gayle told Reuters. Bolt needs to sharpen his form for the world championships in Beijing in August when he is automatically entered to defend the 100 and 200 titles he won in 2013. ”Usain was never confirmed to run at the trials,” said his agent Ricky Simms. “He put his name in to have the option. “I already told the media that coach (Glen) Mills would make a decision on Wednesday if he needed the race or if he preferred him to
Usain Bolt after winning the 200m at the IAAF DLGP in New York June 13, 2015. Reuters/ Eduardo Munoz
train ahead of Paris and Lausanne (next month).” The 100 meters got underway at 1000 local time (1500 GMT) yesterday with a qualifying round. The quarter-finals were scheduled for 1855. Bolt, 28, appeared to be in good shape when training on Wednesday, sources said. The 100 and 200 world record holder has struggled for form this year with modest best times of 10.12 seconds for the 100 in Brazil and 20.13 for the
200 in Ostrava. The 10-times world championship medalist expressed concerns after clocking a pedestrian 20.29 to win the 200 at the recent New York Diamond League meeting where he said he ran his “worst turn ever.” Bolt is scheduled to run Diamond League races in Paris on July 4, an event he pulled out of last year with a foot injury, and Lausanne five days later. (Reuters)
Teams score big in start of CFU Islam wins opening match Men’s Olympic Qualifiers Digicel Senior National Squash C/Ships
Anthony Islam won the first game in the Digicel Senior National Squash Championships which began Wednesday night with three matches at the Georgetown Club. The 13 year-old defeated senior Yang Hapoei 32; improving form and fitness were the key to a 9/11, 8/11, 11/6, 11/2, 11/8 comeback win. The evening’s second game saw veterans Alwyn Callendar and Pedro Towers go head to head with the
former claiming victory 11/2, 11/7, 11/9; never allowing his opponent to settle, Callendar made certain to close the game just as his opponent was approaching his best form on the night. Daniel Islam showed promise in his match up with veteran Medhi Ramdhani, but in the end was treated to an exhibition of experienced ball placement, most notably in the first two games. As the Match moved into the third game the
fitness of youth was enough for Islam to wrestle away that game 11/7. As the metaphorical grey hairs started to show for the former badminton player, Islam was able to secure a 4th game win, before the winded veteran secured victory - 11/ 7, 11/5, 7/11, 8/11, 13/11. The tournament continued yesterday with several junior players seeking to unsettle a plethora of experienced seniors.
St. Kitts & Nevis defeated the Cayman Islands 6-0 in Group 1 of the 2015 Caribbean Zone Group stage Men’s Olympic Qualifiers on Wednesday last at the Stade Sylvio Cator in Haiti. In the other result in Group 1 played at this same venue Haiti blanked Barbados 2-0. In Group 2 Cuba beat Guyana 2-0 and Antigua &
Barbuda whipped Aruba 7-0 at the Antigua Recreation Ground in Antigua. Meanwhile, in Group 3 the game played at the Estadio Felix Sanchez in the Dominican Republic between Jamaica and St Lucia ended 6-1 in favour of Jamaica. Games will continue today while the Group 4 games were scheduled to begin yesterday. This zonal qualifying
tournament has an age limit of Under 23 for men born on or after January 1, 1993. Two teams from these Men’s Qualifying games will advance to compete in the Confederation of North Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) M e n ’s Olympic Tournament set to be hosted by the United States in 2016.
Friday June 26, 2015
Kaieteur News
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National U-17 team commence encampment for Regional tourney By Zaheer Mohamed The National U-17 team o n We d n e s d a y l a s t commenced preparations for the upcoming Regional Under-17 tournament which will be held in Tobago from July 6-16. The 18-man squad, minus several players who are currently sitting the CSEC examinations are encamped at the Guyana Cricket Board hostel, La Bonne Intention under Coach Garvin Need and Manager, Nazeer Mohamed. Guyana won the Under-15 and 19 3-day and one-day titles in 2014 but is yet to win an Under-17 crown. However, Nedd has expressed confidence his team can go all the way this year. Speaking with Kaieteur Sport, the former Guyana off-spinner said that his
team’s participation in the recent GCB Inter-County Undr-19 t o u r n a m e n t serves as a plus for the players. ”I must commend the GCB, the U19 tournament provided the players with stern competition which helps them to know where they are. It also gave me a better opportunity to look at them and I am happy with composition of the team,” he added. Nedd stated that they are currently using the LBI indoor facility to work on some technical aspects. “We are hoping to get the use of the National Stadium to fine tune our preparations,” he said adding that he hopes the weather improves. He believes the batting is in safe hands with the likes of Raymond Perez, Adrian
Garvin Nedd Sukwah, Ramnarine Chatura and Ronaldo Mohamed, but there is still some work to be done. “Building partnerships
Nazeer Mohamed and rotating the strike are some keys areas, so we hope the weather improves so we can practice and execute.
A lot of emphasis will also be placed on fielding since this has let them down in past tournaments,” he lamented. He thanked the GCB for another opportunity to coach the team stating that he looks forward to a successful tournament and he will continue to build players at the grassroots level. Manger Mohamed like Nedd is optimistic of Guyana’s chances. He said that six players have returned from last year’s team and six have joined from the victorious Under-15 team. Mohamed informed that team spirit is good and players are eager to display their talent. “ We h a v e a w e l l balanced team and as long as they play as a unit we will be hard to beat.”
Mohamed feels they have the resources to excel on th e p i t c h e s i n To b a g o w h e r e t h e b a l l tends to come on a bit f a s t e r. Last year Guyana’s Sherfene Rutherford copped the Most Valuable Player award the most fast bowling bonus points. The 18-man squad reads; B h a s k a r Ya d r a m , Ramnarine Chatura, Ronaldo Mohamed, Raymond Perez, Ashmead N e d d , Ti m o n t h y M c A l m o n t , S a g a r Hathiramani, Adrian S u k w a h , S t e v e D e o n a r i n e , A s i f A l l y, Richie Looknauth, S y l u s Ty n d a l l , J o s h u a Persaud, Kevin Sinclair, Joshua J o n e s , G a v i n B o o d w a h , Ta m e s h w a r Motiram and Romain Muniram.
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Friday June 26, 2015
El Dorado Trading/GSSF Our mental state is very positive Steel Challenge on tomorrow for Antigua – Captain Wilson CFU Men’s Olympic Qualifiers
By Franklin Wilson Old rivals Guyana and Antigua and Barbuda would go head to head today when Group 2 action in the Caribbean Football Union Men’s Olympic Qualifiers continue at the Antigua Recreation ground. Having lost their opening game to Cuba 2-0 on Wednesday, a team which placed third in the CAC Games last November behind host Mexico and Venezuela, the Under-23 Golden Jaguars are in a must win situation against the home team which hammered Aruba 7-0 in their opening match also on Wednesday. In an invited comment, Captain Daniel Wilson posited that the mental state of the team is very positive for the Antigua game. ”We have a positive frame of mind and though disappointed with the result we are comforted by the fact that we
Jamaal Shabazz played with total heart. The coach has been very supportive and we’re learning on the job. He has encouraged us to think of this game as a step towards our international future three years down the road. He has taken the pressure off of us and now we can focus on just playing.” Cuba has been together as a unit since last August and according to Head Coach Shabazz, the Guyana team put up a brave fight against them and he is proud
of their efforts. Against the home team this evening, Shabazz informed that Jamaal Harvey who came on as a substitute against Cuba and did well will replace Kadell Daniel in the starting eleven. ”Going into the game against Antigua we would treat them with the same respect as Cuba. They are a formidable opponent, more offensive than Cuba and in front of their home fans. Our squad is disciplined and works to the point where they will give their blood. I think we will battle them with courage.” Team Guyana: Goalkeeper - Anthony Whyte; Defenders - Joshua Brown, Daniel Whyte, Les Charles Chritchlow, William Europe; Midfielders Jamaal Harvey, Daniel Wilson, Kareem Knights, Trayon Bobb; Forwards Pernel Schultz, Delon Lanferman.
Mr. Pavasky Jagmohan hands over cheque to Ms. Vidushi Persaud in the presence of Assistant Secretary/Treasurer, Mr. Ryan McKinnon (left). From right are GSSF VP, Mr. Michael Blake and Managing Director of El Dorado Trading, Mr. Tamesh Jagmohan. The Guyana Sport Shooting Federation (GSSF) in commemoration of its first Anniversary will be hosting a Steel Challenge Shooting Match tomorrow at the GDF Timehri Range. The match which has been exclusively sponsored by El Dorado Trading is anticipated to be an eagerly contested affair. As an a ff i l i a t e o f t h e S t e e l
Challenge Shooting Association, a sister body of the United States Practical Shooting Association, the GSSF over the last year has been organising matches following their strict safety policies. This simple, yet actionpacked shooting sport attracts Guyanese pistol shooters from all around the country on a regular basis.
Steel Challenge Shooting is considered to be the fastest practical shooting competition in the world. Competition will consist of four (4) different stages where competitors will shoot at 5 individual steel targets per stage. Shooters will be scored using an electronic timing device, penalties of added time are applied for (Continued on page 35)
Friday June 26, 2015
Kaieteur News
Page 39
GLTA’s Inaugural Tennis Olympiad and Fun Day Specialist crowned Joseph The Guyana Tennis Father’s Day Dominoes champions Association (GLTA) is collaborating with the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) to observe this year’s Olympic Day Celebrations with a promotional activity that celebrates the Olympic Movement for the sport of tennis. This inaugural Tennis Olympiad and Fun Day will be held Sunday at the National Racquet Centre (Woolford Avenue & Camp Streets) from 10:00hrs to 15:00hrs. Racquets and balls will be provided and there will be free tennis lessons, special high-energy fun activities and competitions geared for all ages.
GOA VP Charles Corbin hands over donation to the GTA President Ms. Grace McCalman. Members of the public who wish to pursue tennis as a recreational sport will have an opportunity to try out the sport, watch top players and
beginners challenge each other, meet tennis coaches and join a club. The GTA hopes to attract at least 40 new participants to the sport.
Tour de France 2015: Landslide forces change to route Members of the victorious Specialist team sponsor Faye Joseph standing third from right. Specialist were crowned champions when the curtains came down on the Faye Joseph Father’s Day Dominoes competition on Wednesday night last at her residence, Gaulding Place in South Ruimveldt.
Specialist clearly dominated proceedings as the chalked up 84 games to overcome Sparton 70 and TNT 57 in the final. Linden Bowman made the maximum 18 games for the victors while Ken Wall
and William Sargeant supported with 17 and 16 respectively. Leroy Edwards marked 17 and John Chance 16 for the runner-up team, while Dane Bynoe 16, Trevor (Continued on page 35)
The route for the penultimate stage of this year’s Tour de France has been changed because of a landslide. The Col du Galibier climb has been removed from the Tour, which begins on July 4 in Utrecht, Netherlands. The 20th stage will still begin in Modane and end with the famous climb of Alpe d’Huez, but will now divert over the Col de la Croixde-Fer. The leader at the end of the stage is likely to win the race, given the final stage is
l a rg e l y a c e r e m o n i a l a ff a i r. Tour organisers said the stage remained “generally unchanged” from a “sporting point of view”. British Team Sky rider Chris Froome is attempting to regain the title he f i r s t w o n i n 2 0 1 3 . Defending champion Vincenzo Nibali, Spaniard Alberto Contador and Nairo Quintana from Colombia are among the other main contenders. (BBCsport)
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Kaieteur News
Friday June 26, 2015
Pereira (6), Miggins (4) spurs Leonora to 16-0 mauling of PLI
Goal Scorers from left, Jamal Crawford, Stephon Glenn, Chrison Archer, Tyrek Grant, Daniel Clark, Malcom Miggins and Jamal Pereira.
By Sean Devers Led by six goals from Jamal Pereira and four from Malcom Miggins, two-time defending Region Three Digicel National Schools Football champions Leonora Secondary made an auspicious start to their 2015 campaign with an emphatic 16-0 mauling of Professional Learning Institute (PLI) at the National Track & Field Centre, Leonora, yesterday. The game began 40 minutes late under bright sunny skies and in less than a minute of play Leonora beat
the PLI custodian with what turned out to be an off-side goal. The match was to be a nightmare for the young goalie as the largest victory margin in the West Side Zone was achieved yesterday. The 16-0 drubbing easily eclipsed the 7-nil triumph by Patentia Secondary over Goed Fortune at the same venue on Wednesday but this was not the type of test Leonora, who were beaten at Quarter-Finals stage of the competition by interior S c h o o l Wa r a m d o n g Secondary in 2013 and 2014, would have wanted in their
The PLI keeper is comprehensively beaten as Stephon Glenn scores in the 12th minute for Leonara Secondary.
first match. With a small gathering watching, Daniel Clark opened the scoring in the 8 minute when he collected a pass from the left side and hammered it into the back of the net from inside the box. The Leonora defenders and their Keeper hardly had any work to do throughout the game against a team which, according to the PLI Teacher had no experience in playing football and were more proficient at cricket but opted to play instead of forfeiting the game. Miggins scored twice in two minutes to make it 3-0 th
and at that point it was clearly evident how one-side the contest was going to be as the spectators were busy betting on how many goals Leonora would eventually score. Pereira got the first of his six goals by converting with a powerful cross past the startled PLI keeper to make it 4-nil in the 18 minute before Jamal Crawford netted in the 22 minute to extend their lead to 5 to nothing. By half time Chrison Archer and Stephon Glenn had added two more goals to leave the score at 8-0 with PLI being totally outplayed. th
nd
BEI prevail 3-2 in penalty shootout after high drama in regulation time
The heroes in the penalty shootout (from left) Troy Munroe, Dwaine Alleyne and Colvis Burnett pose for a photo op yesterday. Berbice Educational Institute (BEI) came from behind to register a dramatic 3-2 triumph in a penalty shootout to eliminate defending Region 6 champion Vrymen’s Erven in this year ’s Digicel Nationwide Schools Football Competition yesterday, at Burnham Park in Berbice. Watched by a fair-sized crowd, the drama unfolded in four minutes as BEI who were staring defeat after trailing 3-0 with ten minutes left in regulation time produced a astounding
performance to net three goals and force a penalty shootout which they duly won to sink the hearts of the Vrymen’s Erven team and supporters. It started when Colvis Burnett beat the goalkeeper from close range following a scrimmage in the goal area in the 82 minute of play. Despite the late response many still felt that the game was home and dry for Vrymen’s Erven, but BEI had other ideas and netted their second goal compliments of a penalty after a player was fouled nd
Players from BEI (white jersey) and Vrymen’s Erven fight for possession of the ball in their clash yesterday at Burnham Park in Berbice. inside the ‘Red Zone’ forcing the referee to order a spot kick which was scored on the second attempt. The first attempt which was missed by the opposing goalkeeper was ordered to be retaken after the referee ruled that the goalkeeper had moved before the kick was made and Dwaine Alleyne strode up and buried his effort into the right side of the goal. Just when you thought things could not get worse for Vrymen’s Erven, BEI scored one minute later through Sheldon
McPherson, who raced on to a pass down centre field, outran his markers and despite a valiant effort of narrowing the gap by the advancing goalkeeper, he rounded him expertly, before tapping in from close range to send their supporters into a frenzy of celebration. The next four minutes saw end to end action, but both backlines stood strong and the score line remained deadlocked at the conclusion of regulation and the next step was to order a penalty shootout which saw BEI prevail and advance.
PLI changed their Goalie in the second half but this ploy made little difference to the run of play as Leonora enjoyed almost total ball possession as the clouds turned from cotton-wool like to dark grey and produced a drizzle to cool the day. But despite the cool weather conditions Leonora maintained the heat on the field to totally outclass their opponents. A barrage of shots to goal either hit the uprights or went wide of the mark with the Keeper woefully out of position as Leonora launched a relentless attack on the
opposition’s goal. Pereira scored four more times while Miggins had two more second half goals for Leonora, who will face tougher opposition in teams like Patentia, Uitvlugt and Vergenoegen later in this zone. Tyrek Grant also netted while Daniel Clark produced the finishing touches with his 56 minute effort as the players on both sides seemed to tire. The only bright spot for the PLI was skipper Kevin Lawrence who looked a skillful forward but got no support from his team mates. th
St. John’s College trounce Marian Academy
Tyrese Forde (left) and Levi Harry S t . J o h n ’s C o l l e g e defeated Marian Academy 4-1 when action in the Digicel National Schools Football Championship continued yesterday at the Ministry of Education ground, Carifesta Avenue. Clearly the dominant team, St. John’s College took the lead in the 11th minute when Joel Yap found the back of nets from outside the area on assist from Colin Bacchus. However Marian Academy found the equalizer through Joshua Brazao in the 26th minute before Tyrese Forde restored St. John’s
advantage in the 39th minute. Forde collected a pass from Tafari Persaud and cleverly skipped pass two defenders before slotting home as his team enjoyed a 2-1 lead at half time. St. J o h n ’s c o n t i n u e d t o dominate after the interval and Levi Harry extended the advantage in the 53rd minute with assistance from Tyrone Archer. The talented Forde once again displayed his skills in the 58th minute, breezing past three defenders to finish clinically giving his team a handsome win.
Friday June 26, 2015
Kaieteur News
Page 41
New GCF gearing up for National C/ships this weekend The new Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF) President Horace Burrowes and Executive will have the opportunity to set the tone for the rest of their four-year tenure when they preside over the 2015 National Championships set for this weekend. After being elected Saturday last, the new GCF will run off the Time Trials and Road Race tomorrow and Sunday respectively where the champions in the respective categories will be crowned. Unlike the past two years, the Time Trials and Road Race will not be held on the Linden Soesdyke Highway, this year’s Time Trials will be held from Chateau Margot on the East Coast of Demerara to the Gas Station just before Conversation Tree and will commence at 07:00hrs tomorrow. Defending champions are Raynauth Jeffrey (Senior), Raymond Newton (Veteran), Claire Fraser-
GCF 2014 Time Trials and Road Race Champions and other top performers. Green (Female) while a new junior champion will be crowned given the fact that l a s t y e a r ’s c h a m p i o n , Michael Anthony has graduated to the senior ranks. Sunday’s Road Race will be contested on a 7.14 mile circuit with the start and finish line being on the Southern Carriage way of the East Coast Highway opposite the Ocean View Inernational Hotel. The race will commence
and proceed West along the Southern Carriage way through the Russian Embassy turn and Kitty Public Road; making a sharp right turn while exiting Kitty onto the Northern Carriageway. The race then continues East up to Spaarendam with another sharp right turn onto the Southern Carriage way then to the point of Start/Finish Line for the completion of a lap. The
course is predominantly flat and rolling with windy conditions. Rules: Two Feeding
Zone will be designated (Ocean View going up & just after UG road coming down).
There will be 2 neutral service vehicles with spare wheels on the course. No other vehicles will be allowed on the course. No feeding on last lap. Feeding commences after 1 lap. There will be no free laps. Defending champions are Andrew Hicks (Juveniles), Stephano Husbands (Juniors), Geron Williams (Seniors), Raymond Newton (Veterans) and Claire FraserGreen (Female). Any disputes shall be forwarded to the Chief Race Marshal within 15 minutes of completion of Race by the Club Representative and the cyclists.
The races are as follows: Juveniles / Ladies Start Time: 7:30 am Distance: 3 Laps (21 miles/34 km) Veterans: Start Time: 8:45 am Distance: 7 Laps (49.98 miles/79.96 km) Juniors: Start Time: 9:05 am Distance: 6 Laps (43 miles/69 km) Seniors: Start Time: 11:30 am Distance: 13 Laps (93 miles/149 km)
GOA Olympic Day Future Badminton tourney
Pat Holder pays courtesy call on President Granger
Pat Holder chats with President Granger about their ‘old time days’ in Queenstown.
Jonathan Mangra and Avinash Odit in action during their semi finals. The annual Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) Olympic Day of Activities in conjunction with the Guyana Badminton Association (GBA) continued on Wednesday with the Future Open Tournament at The Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. Open Men and Ladies Singles as well as Doubles continued with quarterfinals, semi-finals and third place playoffs. The remaining matches along with the finals and
presentation were set for last evening. Following are the results of Wednesday’s matches. MEN SINGLES SEMI-FINALS: Narayan Ramdhani defeated Avinash Odit: 21-9, 21-11. LADIES SINGLES SEMI-FINALS: Priyanna Ramdhani defeated Ayanna WickhamWatson: 21-3, 21-7; Kara Abrams defeated Abosaide Cadogan: 21-18, 21-4. Third Place went to
Veterans Grandison Robinson(right) and Gokarn Ramdhani during their semi finals match which they lost. Abosaide Cadogan who defeated Ayanna WickhamWatson: 21-3, 21-7. MEN DOUBLES QUARTER FINALS: G o k a r n Ramdhani/Grandison Robinson defeated Akili Haynes/Tyrese Jeffrey: 21-12, 21-10; Jonathan Mangra/Avinash Odit defeated ransell Ramsaroop/Tyreese Richards: 21-7, 21-9 . Men Doubles Semi-Finals: Narayan Ramdhani/Nicholas A l i d e f e a t e d Wi l l i a m Holder/Haymant Ramdhani:
21-10, 21-14; Jonathan M a n g r a / Av i n a s h O d i t defeated the Grand Masters Gokarn Ramdhani/Grandison Robinson: 21-12, 18-21, 21-16 in an exciting three setter. LADIES DOUBLES SEMI-FINALS: Priyanna Ramdhani/Abosiade Cadogan defeated Ayanna Wickham-Watson/Emelia Ramdhani 21-7, 21-7; Kara Abrams/Siya Persaud defeated Andrea Bernard/Amanda Daniels: 21-11, 21-11.
Veteran Cyclist, Motor Bike Rider and Boat Racer Pat Holder is still actively involved with the Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club (GMRC) despite overcoming several series injuries including a broken Collar Bone. The affable Holder recently paid a courtesy call t o G u y a n a ’s e i g h t h Executive President and ninth overall, Brigadier David Granger and presented the Head-of-State with the second trophy he ever won, 66 years ago for Cycling. The visit to the Office of the Presidency to meet with the Nation’s leader was
influenced by the fact that President Granger attended Primary school in Queenstown where both the 69-year-old Granger and Holder, now 81, lived during their younger days. ”President Granger lived two blocks away from where I lived and I was very happy when he became President. I remember all the students from Moravian Primary would pass by my house and see my trophies. I am sure he was one of them so I decided to go and congratulate him and give him one of my trophies,” the former racer explained. Holder said the trophy he (Continued on page 34)
t r o Sp National U-17 team commence CFU Men’s Olympic Qualifiers encampment for Regional tourney Our mental state is very positive for Antigua -Captain Wilson Pacer Joshua Jones in action
Adrian Sukwah prepares to receive a ball in nets
Daniel Wilson
GFF hosts successful Senior Lady Jags Camp in Toronto
Senior Lady Jags going through the paces during the Toronto Camp. Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Limited, 24 Saffon St.Charlestown, Georgetown.Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/ 226-8210